Argentina’s World Cup winning coach Lionel Scaloni has stated that he ‘believes’ his captain Lionel Messi should be able to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well. The 2022 edition was Messi’s fifth appearance at World Cup finals as the 35-year-old finally achieved his dreaming of raising the trophy sky-high in what was his ultimate shot at glory. The ‘La Pulga’ had admitted prior to the tournament that this will be his final appearance at World Cup finals, closing the doors on the next edition.
However, Scaloni might have opened those doors, as he admit that he would love to have Messi at the 2026 World Cup and would still make an important part of the team despite being 39 by that time. The PSG superstar was in full throttle in Qatar, as he scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists to steer Argentine to their third World Cup, and first since the late Maradona won it for them in 1986.
I believe that Lionel Messi can reach the next World Cup – Scaloni
Argentina ended their wait of 36 years to lift the coveted World Cup trophy as Lionel Messi was centre to their triumphant run. However, had somebody said back in 2018 that Argentina will be contenders at the next edition, the claims would have been laughed at. The La Albiceleste were in turmoil as they somehow managed to squeeze past the group stages in Russia, but were knocked out in the Round of 16 by eventual champions France.
It was then, the Argentine Football Association [AFA] appointed Lionel Scaloni as their caretaker manager following the sacking of Jorge Sampaoli. However, impressive results under Scaloni meant he bagged the full-time job, a turning point of Messi’s journey with the national team. The two struck a brilliant chord, as Scaloni led the team to third-place finish at the 2019 Copa America, and then finally helped them lift the title in 2021, Messi’s first ever trophy with Argentina.
Ever since then, there was no looking back for the captain-coach duo, as Argentina went in an ‘all-conquering’ mode, setting-off on a 36-game unbeaten run. Scaloni built a solid team throughout the run, as Argentina entered the 2022 World Cup as one of the favourites, only to lose the opener against Saudi Arabia. However, Scaloni managed the set-back in the most befitting manner, as his side, led by Lionel Messi bounced back in the next game and went on to clinch glory. The manager now wants his captain to defend the title in 2026, as he told Calvia FM:
“I believe that Messi can reach the next World Cup. It will depend a lot on what he wants and what happens over time, whether he feels good or not. He will always have the doors open. He is always happy on the pitch and it would be good for us too.
“[However] I don’t think it [winning the World Cup] was necessary for him be one of the greatest or the greatest. You always ask for more. I don’t know what else you are going to ask for now. I am happy for him and for the country. For the joy we gave him and we gave ourselves. The days we spent in Argentina were full of euphoria and affection. It was worth it.”