Lionel Messi is still undecided over whether he will play at this year's World Cup, Lionel Scaloni conceding ahead of Argentina's title defence.
FIFA's flagship tournament will get underway on June 11, with Argentina set to play their first Group J match against Algeria five days later. They will also face Austria and Jordan in their group.
Should Messi play, he will appear at a record-breaking sixth edition of the tournament, having helped Argentina to lift the title in 2022.
Messi, who will turn 39 during the World Cup, has made a record 26 appearances in the competition, while his 13 goals are more than any other Argentina player.
In fact, he holds the record for the most goal involvements in World Cup history (21 – 13 goals, eight assists) and only needs three goals to equal Miroslav Klose's all-time scoring record.
Scaloni has made no secret of his desire to have Messi in the squad when they travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico later this year, but he is yet to hear the captain's final decision over his involvement.
"That's a question more for him [Messi]," Scaloni said when asked if Messi will play at the World Cup.
"As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand. I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there.
"It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition.
"It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him; everyone wants to see him.
"I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."
Messi will feature in both of Argentina's friendlies this month against Mauritania and Zambia on home soil, after their Finalissima against Spain – due to be held in Qatar – was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.
"Messi will play both games, but we will see if he will do so from the start," Scaloni added of the upcoming fixtures, the first of which will see them play Mauritania on Friday.
"To have two more games on home soil, for an Argentinian, it is a beautiful opportunity to see him [Messi] on the pitch, to enjoy what we enjoy when he is here."
Vaecimprst
1
LMessi10 must go because the 2026 world cup without the GOAT will be incomplete.
Vaecimprst
0
First he want to make deal with FIFA & Referees before he decide
Haters don't have sense anymore 😂
Vaecimprst
0
Last time they had WC given to them by fifa with endless penalties and mess! hoped to take a golden shoe on penalties but thanks to Mbape football was saved
Haters don't make sense anymore 😂
Suarezzy
0
ok but how many in the other games?
you played two in a final , and the most important match but you want us to forget that one because of you , dumb idiot
Rezampruy
0
Argentina is winning it again
AceTheCreator
0
Can somebody tell you that your not correct because Mbappe played even 2 penalties in the finals so what are you up to ?
ok but how many in the other games?
muabdikny
1
Last time they had WC given to them by fifa with endless penalties and mess! hoped to take a golden shoe on penalties but thanks to Mbape football was saved
Can somebody tell you that your not correct because Mbappe played even 2 penalties in the finals so what are you up to ?
Richardoghale
2
It's not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him. GOAT 🫡💙💙💙💙💙
yuhabdosz
0
Last time they had WC given to them by fifa with endless penalties and mess! hoped to take a golden shoe on penalties but thanks to Mbape football was saved
even after four years you're still bitter and in pain sorry about that
Tepaeorty
0
If u got nothing to say just don't coz we know his gna play he also wats to play
Mimemsy
0
Messi going to play please 🙏
Yukcelos
1
oli
Fawadelopt
0
Last time they had WC given to them by fifa with endless penalties and mess! hoped to take a golden shoe on penalties but thanks to Mbape football was saved
Fawadelopt
0
With CR7 still playing, he's no choice but to return from his international retirement
yiwabiosu
0
Better not go for the benefit of other teammates, otherwise wining is because of him losing are teammates to be blame. What a shame to football
SandarshMahajan
2
First he want to make deal with FIFA & Referees before he decide
Messi don't need but someone is dying to win or match the record(only wc other records he can't match if he is thinking of that then he has to play for eternity🤣) of GOAT But Our GOAT just don't care
MalikyMusty
0
even if is not going to play most of the game we need him in the world cup for the last time 🥺🥺
Nakabimty
0
I think Messi should on subtitles player......if he doesn't want to play full
Tocilostyz
0
First he want to make deal with FIFA & Referees before he decide
Jehbcelotz
0
🙄 when it’s not the coach deciding who plays you have problem.
nuocenou
2
Argentina will have peace of mind as far as the GOAT go with them to the world cup
mewadnosu
1
He will play
nuaaekmnsy
4
he knows that he will ambaras himself