Football icon Lionel Messi is currently taking time to deliberate his potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with his decision still pending due to his ongoing uncertainty. This update comes directly from Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the Argentina national football team.
The last time Messi featured for the Argentina national team on home soil was during a CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on September 4, where he played a crucial role in a commanding 3-0 victory. In that match, the 38-year-old forward impressively netted two goals.
Following the match, many fans were seen shedding tears as they bid an emotional farewell to their iconic captain, a sentiment mirrored by Messi himself, who also became visibly emotional in front of the adoring home crowd. It was immediately after this poignant match that Messi publicly stated his indecision regarding the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that his future participation remained uncertain, despite Argentina having already secured their qualification spot.
The 38-year-old captain further elaborated, expressing that his current sentiment and experience at his club, Inter Miami, were not at an optimal level. This personal struggle, he indicated, was a contributing factor to his increased uncertainty about his commitments to the national squad. Messi has historically relied on his peak club form as a prerequisite for confidently stepping onto the international stage, believing that only when performing at his best for his club can he fully enjoy and exert his highest capabilities for the national team.
Echoing Messi’s sentiments, coach Scaloni also addressed the situation, confirming that the prodigious forward requires ample time to reach a definitive decision. The 47-year-old coach’s statement was made during a pre-match press conference on September 8, ahead of Argentina’s qualifier against Ecuador scheduled for September 9.
During the press conference, Scaloni conveyed, “I am uncertain about the probability of Messi’s inclusion in our national squad for the future. There is still a considerable amount of time before the tournament, and many developments can occur between now and then, so we must be patient. A number of other players within the squad are also in similar transitional phases, potentially facing future absences.” He continued, “I have not had a direct conversation with Messi specifically about the World Cup. I am aware of his public statements, and I understand that he needs time to fully consider this important decision. Whatever conclusion he arrives at, it will undoubtedly be for the best.”
Furthermore, it was confirmed that Messi would not be participating in Argentina’s concluding 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. Coach Scaloni opted to grant the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient a period of rest, allowing him to recuperate from competitive play. It is noteworthy that Argentina currently holds the top position in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings. With 38 points accumulated from 17 matches, they continue to assert their dominance as a powerhouse within the region.
