With the FIFA World Cup drawing closer, excitement is building rapidly among football fans around the globe, especially those eager to see Lionel Messi back on the biggest stage once again for what would be his sixth World Cup campaign.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has now reaffirmed that Messi will remain part of the national setup for as long as he wants to continue. He highlighted that the 38-year-old’s hunger and ambition to keep achieving at the highest level are what still set him apart, keeping him firmly among football’s elite despite his age.
What Did Lionel Scaloni Say About Messi’s International Future Ahead of the FIFA World Cup?
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has made it clear that Lionel Messi’s international journey will continue for as long as he chooses, stating that the Argentine icon will “play until he wants to.” He also highlighted that even at 38, Messi’s relentless hunger for success is what keeps him at the very top of world football. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already achieved everything in the game, from dominating club football to finally sealing the World Cup title in Qatar 2022, the missing piece in an already legendary career.
Now, Messi appears set to return for what could be his sixth World Cup appearance, this time stepping in as a defending champion for the first time in his career. In an exclusive interview with Diario Ole, as quoted by Goal.com, the manager has quashed any concerns of Messi stepping away from international football after the WC, saying, “He will play until he wants to because we already know what he is and it is not surprising that he plays his sixth World Cup.”
Scaloni also highlighted that despite every record Messi has broken, every trophy won, Messi still stays at the top of his game because of his relentless drive for “more”. “He continues to be the best because he always wants more and shows he wants more,” Scaloni added.
Messi Misses First Argentina Training Session but Expected to Be Fit for Opener
Messi trained separately during Argentina’s first practice session in the United States as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. The Inter Miami captain has been sidelined since May 24 due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, but is expected to regain full fitness in time for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, according to ESPN. The 38-year-old joined the national team at their base camp in Kansas City and completed an individual training programme on Monday.
🚨Leo Messi is undergoing a two-session-per-day recovery program. The plan is Rest, careful rehabilitation & gradually increasing workloads. The objective is to have Messi fully fit for Argentina’s World Cup debut game vs Algeria.✍️ @DiarioOle #leomessi https://t.co/Uf07d9v8rP pic.twitter.com/uZC6AiX4Tl
— CA VA🐐 (@psg__chief) June 2, 2026
On how the Argentina forward’s workload management is being planned, keeping in mind the expanded version of the tournament and the more game time that comes with it, Scaloni said that the strategies involving Messi are based on mutual respect, rather than forcefully imposing strict physical restrictions and every step is evaluated and taken together.
Scaloni explained: “Every decision we have made, we have discussed with him. It is useless for me to sit here and say that I decide: in his case, and I think it is deserved, I will always talk to him and ask him how he is, and we see if we reach an agreement. I think it has to be that way, because I repeat, he, even being on the pitch with a lot of difficulties, has given us a lot. So there are times when it is even better that he is in difficulty because of everything he generates.” They will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, followed by group matches against Austria and Jordan later in the tournament.
(With inputs from ANI)
