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Lionel Messi 'undecided' on World Cup future, says Argentina boss
Cameron Smith
- 27 Mar 2026 09:33 CDT
- 3 min read
News
Lionel Messi hasn’t yet decided whether he will feature at the 2026 World Cup, according to Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
The Inter Miami superstar won the Golden Ball award as Argentina won the tournament in Qatar four years ago, but his participation at this summer’s edition is in doubt.
Current ETV
Lionel Messi
F (CR)
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi
F (CR)
Inter Miami
ETV Range
€12.5M - €15.3M
When asked if Messi will play at the upcoming tournament, Scaloni told reporters: “That's a question more for him [Messi]. 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. 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.”
Lionel Messi yet to decide on World Cup participation
Messi has won 196 caps for Argentina, scoring 115 goals, and Scaloni has confirmed that he will feature in friendlies against both Mauritania and Zambia during the March international break.
“Messi will play both games but we will see if he will do so from the start,” Scaloni said.
“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 made 49 appearances for Inter Miami during the 2025 season, registering a whopping 69 goal contributions, and he has already scored five goals in six games so far this term.
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