Argentina’s national football team recently secured a 2-1 victory against Mauritania, but the spotlight remains on Lionel Messi as he grapples with his future in international football. The match, held as part of a series of friendlies, saw Messi included in the squad, yet his participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup is still uncertain.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Messi will feature in both friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, but the legendary forward has yet to make a definitive decision regarding his involvement in the World Cup. “I believe that he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it’s not me who decides,” Scaloni stated, reflecting the hopes of fans and analysts alike.
Messi himself expressed a desire to play, saying, “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to.” However, he also noted the importance of assessing his fitness, particularly as he prepares for pre-season with Inter Miami. “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 percent,” he added.
Argentina’s title defense at the World Cup is set to begin on June 17 against Algeria, a crucial match that will test the team’s resolve and readiness. Messi holds the record for the most appearances in World Cup history, with 26 caps, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
In a separate but significant development, Burford Capital is contemplating investment treaty arbitration against Argentina after a US court quashed a $16 billion judgment related to the nationalization of oil and gas operator YPF. This legal battle could have broader implications for Argentina’s economic landscape.
As the football world watches closely, Messi’s final decision on participating in the World Cup is still pending. Details remain unconfirmed, leaving fans and analysts alike in suspense about whether the iconic player will grace the tournament once more.