Lionel Messi, 38, remains uncertain about playing for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, despite being named in the squad for friendlies against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (April 1). Lionel Scaloni, the coach, confirmed Messi’s involvement in the friendlies but emphasized that the final decision rests with the player. Scaloni stated, “I believe he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it’s not me who decides. It’s up to him,” highlighting the dilemma of balancing Messi’s legacy with team strategy.

Messi, who has played in five World Cups and holds the tournament’s appearance record, acknowledged the pressure: “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start pre-season next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100 per cent.”.