The Argentina national team is the defending champion after winning the World Cup in 2022, and the team led by Lionel Scaloni is once again considered among the main favorites to triumph in the tournament that will take place this summer in North America.
However, “La Albiceleste” may be forced to defend the title without its main star, Lionel Messi.
Currently, it remains unclear whether the Inter Miami forward – widely considered the best player of all time – will be part of the World Cup, leaving fans awaiting a final decision as the tournament approaches.
Current situation and Scaloni’s statements
Lionel Messi played in both of Argentina’s recent friendlies, against Mauritania on March 27 and Zambia on April 1, scoring in the latter in a convincing 5-0 victory.
After the match with Zambia, Scaloni gave a positive update, but without confirming anything:
“It would be a privilege if Leo decides to play in the World Cup. We want him to enjoy this experience and we are helping him feel good. He wants the same thing as us – he is now more relaxed because he has already won it once.”
“His desire to be there exists. We will see what he decides and we will support him.”
“I will do everything to make sure he is there. For the good of football, he has to be there. All Argentines want to see him – and the rest of the world too.”
What Messi said about the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi, who has played in five World Cups and holds the record for most appearances (26), has yet to give a definitive answer.
In October 2025 he stated: “It’s something extraordinary to be part of a World Cup and I would like to be there. I want to be part, feel good and help the team if I can.”
“I’ll take it day by day when I start training with Inter Miami and see if I can reach 100 percent and if I can still contribute. Then I’ll decide. I’m very excited because it’s the World Cup. We come as champions and the opportunity to defend the title is incredible.”
Since then, he has not confirmed anything, but after the victory over Zambia he published a photo in the national team jersey with the inscription “Argentina always”, adding to the speculation about his participation.
How old will Messi be in 2026?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987. This means that at the start of the tournament (June 11, 2026) and the first match against Algeria on June 16, he will be 38 years old.
If he plays, he will join a rare group of players like Dani Alves, Rafael Marquez, Stanley Matthews and Pepe who have played at this age.
However, the record for oldest player at the World Cup is held by Essam El Hadary, who played at the age of 45 in 2018.
Argentina’s plan with or without Messi
Lionel Messi remains the focal point of the attack when he is on the pitch, but Argentina is no longer completely dependent on him.
The team has built a more balanced structure, with alternatives like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in attack, while creative roles can be covered by Nico Paz, Emiliano Buendia, Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernandez.
Scaloni has made this clear: “The team can now play the same way with or without Leo. Before it was more difficult, now it’s not.”
Since triumphing in 2022, Argentina has played 11 matches without Messi and lost only two.
Will Messi play in 2026?
Based on his current form and statements, it is likely that Lionel Messi will be part of the 2026 World Cup.
He continues to perform at a high level and the motivation to defend the title is great. Moreover, the possibility of a final showdown with his historical rival Cristiano Ronaldo makes this scenario even more attractive.
In the end, the decision will be his alone – but everything indicates that the football world could see him on the biggest stage once again.
