The future of Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team continues to be a topic of discussion as there are friendlies and the 2024 Copa America on the horizon leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While speaking at a gala in Italy, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was asked about Messi’s future with the national team as the 2022 World Cup winners begin a new cycle.
“Being in the next World Cup will be Leo’s decision; if his body can take it for me, he will be there,” Scaloni said (h/t ESPN Colombia). “Behind our title (World Cup Qatar 2022), 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.”
Messi has returned to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has shown his age and with his contract expiring in June, the veteran has to decide whether he wants to keep playing at a high level in European football.
It will be interesting to see if Scaloni decides to call up Messi if the Argentine is playing with Inter Miami or for a Saudi Arabian club. Furthermore, the PSG star could decide to retire from international football to make the decision easier.
Nonetheless, these next few months will determine where Messi sees himself with the national team.
