Argentina's national team manager, Lionel Scaloni, recently revealed that he had a private meeting with Lionel Messi to discuss plans for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. As the Albiceleste prepare to defend their title, Scaloni and Messi's dialogue suggests a collaborative effort to ensure the team is well-prepared for another major tournament. Messi's potential role in the squad remains a focal point amid speculation about his future in international football.
Messi's Commitment to the National Team
The legendary Lionel Messi has not made a definitive statement regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup. Currently playing for Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely regarded as a key player for Argentina's World Cup ambitions. Messi expressed his desire to be involved, stating, "I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there. At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special." He emphasized the significance of the World Cup experience, particularly for Argentina, as it resonates deeply within the nation.
During his discussions with Scaloni, Messi acknowledged their open communication, saying, "He understands, and we've discussed it a lot. He always tells me that he would like me to be there in any role. We have a relationship of great trust, and we can talk about everything." This close rapport underscores Messi’s ongoing commitment to the team and its objectives.
Scaloni's Strategy for Team Selection
In light of Argentina’s World Cup preparations, Scaloni has compiled a preliminary list of around 50 players, which will be refined in the coming months. He noted the importance of having a broad selection pool, especially after experiencing injuries to key players close to the previous tournament. Scaloni remarked, "That's why we have a fairly large list." Among those under consideration is Thiago Almada, who has been seen as a potential successor to Messi in the No. 10 position. Despite facing challenges at Atlético Madrid since his transfer in the summer of 2025, Almada remains an important figure for the national team.
Scaloni addressed Almada's situation, emphasizing that performance will ultimately dictate the player's inclusion: "Once he makes his decision, we'll just analyze his footballing performance and see if he's performing at the level we believe he's capable of." This approach reflects Scaloni’s commitment to selecting the best talent available, regardless of club circumstances.
Aiming for Success in 2026
As the reigning champions, Argentina is looking to maintain a similar squad dynamic to that which secured victory in Qatar. Scaloni stated that he has not been given any reasons to make drastic changes, highlighting the importance of keeping the core of the team intact. He advised that players need to be in optimal form as the tournament approaches, stressing, "They need that bit of luck to arrive in peak condition."
Argentina has been drawn into Group J for the 2026 World Cup, commencing their campaign against Algeria on June 26 in Kansas City. Following this match, they will also face Austria and Jordan. As Scaloni and Messi continue their collaboration, hopes are high for another successful run in the prestigious tournament, underscoring the enduring legacy of this storied national team.
