Hello and welcome to our blog post! We’re all familiar with the incredible moment when Lionel Messi lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking one of the highlights of his career, as it had always been a trophy that slipped through his grasp in the past.
Now, the burning question is: Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
In today’s discussion, we’ll be delving into this intriguing topic. Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s coach, thinks he will, and we’re here to explore why. Let’s uncover the details behind Messi’s potential journey to the next World Cup.
Will Lionel Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup?
The manager who led Argentina to win the World Cup is confident that Messi can continue playing until the 2026 global tournament.
This confidence stems from Messi’s impressive performances in training, where he still outshines his teammates.
Additionally, the coach acknowledged that the national team strategy revolves around the 37-year-old, who has transitioned into a more midfield-oriented role in the past few months.
Lionel Scaloni’s statement
In an interview with Bobo TV, the 46-year-old coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed admiration for Messi’s passionate performance in the 2022 World Cup, describing it as unstoppable.
Scaloni emphasising the difficulty of capturing the essence of Messi’s brilliance in training, highlighting the seemingly unbelievable feats he accomplishes.
Referring to Messi as “crazy,” Scaloni encouraged him to play as long as he finds joy on the pitch, commending Messi for showcasing the limitless possibilities in football.
Reflecting on Messi’s versatile career, Scaloni noted his evolution from a striker to a winger and now a midfielder.
He highlighted Messi’s freedom to play wherever he desires and underlined the team’s foundation built around him.
While expressing his belief in Messi’s potential to continue representing the National Team, Scaloni emphasised that the ultimate decision rests with Messi himself.
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The broader perspective
Immediately after securing victory against Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month, Scaloni hinted at the possibility of stepping down from his role as the Argentina national team manager.
Although it remains uncertain whether the manager will indeed depart from the world champions, Real Madrid has expressed interest in Scaloni, considering him as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract concludes at the end of the ongoing season.
What’s next for Messi?
After securing victory in the World Cup in Qatar, Messi made a move to Inter Miami in the MLS, creating more interest in soccer in the USA.
Conclusion
There’s hope that Lionel Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup, and Lionel Scaloni believes in Messi’s skills. Keep an eye out for more updates as Messi’s story unfolds, from the 2022 World Cup to his time with Inter Miami in the MLS. It’s an exciting football tale that has people interested on both sides of the Atlantic. Stay tuned for more.
FAQs
Q. Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Ans: Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s coach, believes Messi can continue playing until the 2026 tournament, citing his exceptional work ethic and impressive training performances.
Q. What supports the confidence in Messi’s participation?
Ans: Scaloni highlights Messi’s consistent brilliance in training, where he outshines teammates. The national team’s strategy has also evolved around Messi, especially as he takes on a more midfield-oriented role.
Q. What did Lionel Scaloni say about Messi’s performance in the 2022 World Cup?
Ans: In an interview with Bobo TV, Scaloni praised Messi’s unstoppable performance, emphasising the challenge of capturing Messi’s brilliance in training. Scaloni encouraged Messi to play as long as he finds joy on the pitch.
Q. How has Messi’s playing style evolved throughout his career?
Ans: Scaloni reflected on Messi’s versatile career, starting as a striker, transitioning to a winger, and now excelling as a midfielder. The team’s structure is built around Messi, allowing him the freedom to play wherever he desires.