Lionel Messi is yet to decide whether he will play for Argentina at the World Cup this summer.
Messi, 38, was named in the Argentina squad for the friendlies against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (April 1).
Lionel Scaloni has confirmed he will feature in both games – but doubts remain as to whether he will be part of the squad for La Albiceleste’s title defence in the USA, Canada and Mexico, which will begin on June 17 against Algeria in Kansas City.
“This is a question more for him but as far as I’m concerned, you already know what I think. I will do everything I can to make sure he is there,” Scaloni said in a press conference when asked if Messi will feature at the World Cup.
“I believe that he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, how he feels in his mind and his physical condition.
“It’s difficult because it’s not just Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him.
“And then we have the dilemma as his coaches when he’s there, if he’s able to play the whole game or if he’s not.
“I want him to be there, but he’s the one who decides. I’m not going to stand here and say, ‘Let’s see if I pick him or not.’
“He has earned the right to decide calmly. We are not in a rush. We know that whatever he decides will be the best thing for both him and the team. We hope he’ll be there but I can’t say much more.”
Messi assessing World Cup chances ‘day-by-day’
Messi has featured in the last five World Cups, helped Argentina lift the trophy in 2022 and holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament’s history with 26.
Last October, Inter Miami’s Messi admitted it was not guaranteed he will be part of Argentina’s bid to defend their title this year.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” said Messi.
“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi holds the trophy in a Qatari robe after winning the World Cup final
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start pre-season next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100 per cent, if I can be useful and then make a decision.
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”
