• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Lionel Scaloni hints one deciding area will determine if Lionel Messi features for Argentina at 2026 World Cup

Home> Football

Published 21:20 21 Feb 2023 GMT

Lionel Scaloni hints one deciding area will determine if Lionel Messi features for Argentina at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi will have to make the all-important decision to represent Argentina based on one important thing.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has outlined the important factor Lionel Messi must focus on if he is to make his squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Scaloni, who succeeded Jorge Sampaoli after Argentina’s disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, has enjoyed incredible success with the national team.

The 44-year-old Argentina head coach led his country to the 2021 Copa America title with their victory over Brazil before capturing the World Cup trophy in Qatar.

Advert

Messi was in inspiring form for Argentina and lifted the Golden Ball after Scaloni’s men beat 2018 champions France on penalties in a thrilling World Cup final.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ruled out retirement after La Albiceleste captured their first World Cup star since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.

Scaloni had hinted that there would be a place in his squad for Argentina captain Messi ahead of his country’s title defence at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Advert

Speaking at an event in Italy (as per ESPN Colombia), Scaloni reiterated that the Paris Saint-Germain superstar would be in his squad so long as his body can take it.

“Being in the next World Cup will be Leo’s decision; if his body can take it for me, he will be there,” he said.

Scaloni added: “Behind our title, there was a communion of intentions between the fans, the staff and the players, something emotional that made sense of belonging for this unique shirt even stronger.

“Then, having a player like Messi was, and is, obviously, an advantage. As a former teammate, training him is beautiful. I see how the other players look at him and follow him. He’s the best.”

Advert

READ MORE:

  • Emi Martinez finally breaks silence on Kylian Mbappe feud, he’s denied everything
  • Emi Martinez reveals what Lionel Messi said about his World Cup Golden Glove celebration
  • Wout Weghorst’s nickname at Manchester United was inspired by Lionel Messi
Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football World Cup, Football

Adnan Riaz
Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

X

@AdnanRiaz9

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
4 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • 3 hours ago

    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid tipped to be 'football's next big thing' announces shock retirement from football

    The player made seven appearances for Chelsea and was once compared to Eden Hazard.

    Football
  • 4 hours ago

    Alexander Isak 'cut price tag' revealed as Liverpool deal with Newcastle 'in play'

    The Newcastle United forward has attracted interest from several top clubs this summer.

    Football
  • 6 hours ago

    Xabi Alonso has found the new Luka Modric for Real Madrid and it could be the signing of the summer

    The Real Madrid boss could be set to replace the veteran midfielder, who will leave the club later this summer.

    Football
  • 6 hours ago

    Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

    Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami.

    Football
  • Lionel Messi receives huge payment from Barcelona immediately after Inter Miami crash out of Club World Cup
  • Fans are all making the same point about Lionel Messi after Inter Miami are crushed by PSG in Club World Cup
  • Fans slam Lionel Messi and accuse Inter Miami star of 'throwing punch' at PSG player during Club World Cup defeat
  • Lionel Messi aimed public dig at PSG as Inter Miami set up awkward Club World Cup reunion