Lionel Scaloni wants the 38-year-old “to be there” but says the decision to play rests with the player
Lionel Messi has not yet decided whether he will feature at this summer’s World Cup, according to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni.
With 81 days remaining before Argentina begin their title defence, Scaloni said the final decision rests entirely with the 38-year-old forward.
“That’s a question more for him [Messi],” Scaloni said. “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.”
Messi, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 115 goals and the standout player of the 2022 tournament, remains central to plans but is being given time to make a decision.
“It’s difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him,” Scaloni said.
“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.”
Scaloni confirmed Messi will be involved in upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, both set to be played at La Bombonera.
“Messi will play both games but we will see if he will do so from the start,” said Argentina’s coach.
The country’s preparations have been adjusted after a planned Finalissima clash with Spain was cancelled. Scaloni instead welcomed the opportunity to play at home.
“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,” said.
The coach has named a 30-man squad that includes 16 World Cup winners, along with several newer faces. He stressed that selection for the tournament will depend on fitness and form.
“In principle, these are the players,” Scaloni said. “But we’re open to considering players who have joined us recently and whom we may have been tracking over the last few months. It will all depend on how they arrive, their injury status and their form; it’s important that they’re in good shape in every respect, or as close to their full potential as possible.
“We’ve already told them this and made it clear in our first meeting on Monday. They’re aware of what’s at stake. We’re eternally grateful to those who’ve helped us win, but we’ve got another World Cup to face and we need players who are fit and capable, and that’s what we’ll be looking for when we decide on the squad.”
