Messi World Cup Decision Remains Undecided As Scaloni Confirms It Is Up To Him

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Lionel Messi has not yet confirmed if Argentina’s captain will appear at the 2026 World Cup, leaving coach Lionel Scaloni waiting as the defending champions prepare for their title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament scheduled to start on June 11.

Argentina already know their route in Group J, where they face Algeria in their opener on June 16, before further group matches against Austria and Jordan, but the squad list for the World Cup remains incomplete while Messi considers whether to chase one more global title.

If Messi decides to play, the forward will feature at a sixth World Cup, which would set a new appearance record for the tournament, adding to the 26 World Cup matches already played and the 13 goals scored, the highest tally by any Argentina player on this stage.

Messi, who will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, also leads the competition’s history for direct goal contributions, with 21 involvements combining 13 goals and eight assists, and needs only three more goals to match Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring mark at the finals.

Scaloni has repeatedly stated that Messi remains central to Argentina’s plans for the World Cup defence, yet the coach has accepted that the final call rests with the captain, who is weighing physical condition, mental freshness and the demands of another long international tournament.

"That's a question more for him [Messi]," Scaloni said when asked if Messi will play at the World Cup. "As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand. I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition. It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him; everyone wants to see him."

Scaloni underlined that his view is shared well beyond Argentina, noting that global interest surrounds Messi’s possible sixth World Cup, while Argentina balance respect for the veteran’s decision-making process with the need to plan tactically and manage minutes for a 39-year-old leader.

"I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."

Before any decision on the World Cup, Messi will remain involved with Argentina this month, as Scaloni confirmed that the captain is set to feature in both home friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, which replace the cancelled Finalissima against Spain that had been planned in Qatar.

The Finalissima, scheduled in Qatar, was called off because of the conflict in the Middle East, leading Argentina to organise two matches on home soil instead, with the first friendly against Mauritania taking place on Friday, followed by a second game against Zambia.

"Messi will play both games, but we will see if he will do so from the start," Scaloni added of the upcoming fixtures, the first of which will see them play Mauritania on Friday. "To have two more games on home soil, for an Argentinian, it is a beautiful opportunity to see him [Messi] on the pitch, to enjoy what we enjoy when he is here."

Messi’s current record and possible milestones at the World Cup are outlined below, underlining why Argentina and neutral fans alike are watching this decision closely.

As Argentina prepare for friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia and then a World Cup group featuring Algeria, Austria and Jordan, the squad and coaching staff continue with training and match plans while waiting for Messi’s final decision, which will shape the holders’ title defence.