'We're in No Hurry:' Argentina's Coach Gives Messi Update Ahead of World Cup
#Lionel Messi #Argentina #2026 World Cup #Lionel Scaloni #friendlies #team selection #contract talks
📌 Key Takeaways
- Argentina coach Scaloni says Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup is still undecided and up to the player.
- Scaloni emphasizes no pressure on Messi, stating he has earned the right to decide at his own pace.
- Upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia will be used to test fringe players and youngsters for the World Cup squad.
- Scaloni confirms Messi will play in the friendlies, but his exact role is undetermined.
- Scaloni's own contract renewal talks are ongoing but not his current focus, with the World Cup being the priority.
📖 Full Retelling
Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself. Messi's World Cup uncertainty continues As Argentina prepare for their upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera, the conversation naturally drifted toward the availability of their captain for the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni was again unable to confirm that Messi will definitely participate in the global showpiece, though he remains hopeful. "It is a question for him. I don't have to answer. You already know what I think. I want him to be there, but he is the one who decides. He has earned the right to be able to decide with peace of mind. We are in no hurry. Let's hope he says yes," Scaloni told reporters during his pre-match press conference. The manager also touched upon his own future, noting that while contract talks are ongoing, they are not his primary focus. "My contract renewal isn't the focus. My agent is talking to the president, but for now it's just the World Cup." he said. Experimental lineups for Mauritania clash The Albiceleste are set to face Mauritania this Friday, followed by a encounter with Zambia next Tuesday. Scaloni intends to use these fixtures as a testing ground for fringe players and youngsters who are desperate to secure a spot in the final 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in North America, though Messi will play some part. "The team against Mauritania is going to be a mix between kids we want to see and others we want to raise their level. Messi is going to play. I don't know if from the start in this one or in the second, but it is a nice opportunity to see him on the pitch. It's nice that they see how we enjoy ourselves when we are here," Scaloni explained. Di Maria comeback ruled out Scaloni also took the time to address specific pla
🏷️ Themes
World Cup preparation, Player availability
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Original Source
Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself. Messi's World Cup uncertainty continues As Argentina prepare for their upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera, the conversation naturally drifted toward the availability of their captain for the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni was again unable to confirm that Messi will definitely participate in the global showpiece, though he remains hopeful. "It is a question for him. I don't have to answer. You already know what I think. I want him to be there, but he is the one who decides. He has earned the right to be able to decide with peace of mind. We are in no hurry. Let's hope he says yes," Scaloni told reporters during his pre-match press conference. The manager also touched upon his own future, noting that while contract talks are ongoing, they are not his primary focus. "My contract renewal isn't the focus. My agent is talking to the president, but for now it's just the World Cup." he said. Experimental lineups for Mauritania clash The Albiceleste are set to face Mauritania this Friday, followed by a encounter with Zambia next Tuesday. Scaloni intends to use these fixtures as a testing ground for fringe players and youngsters who are desperate to secure a spot in the final 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in North America, though Messi will play some part. "The team against Mauritania is going to be a mix between kids we want to see and others we want to raise their level. Messi is going to play. I don't know if from the start in this one or in the second, but it is a nice opportunity to see him on the pitch. It's nice that they see how we enjoy ourselves when we are here," Scaloni explained. Di Maria comeback ruled out Scaloni also took the time to address specific pla
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