Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has insisted that Lionel Messi will continue playing for the national team for as long as he wants, dismissing any immediate concerns about the legendary forward’s retirement.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Scaloni said Messi remains driven by an unmatched desire to compete and win, qualities that continue to make him one of the most influential players in world football.
“He will play until he wants to because we already know what he is and it is not surprising that he plays his sixth World Cup,” Scaloni told Diario Olé.
“He continues to be the best because he always wants more and shows he wants more.”
Scaloni also revealed that decisions regarding Messi’s involvement with the national team are made through regular discussions with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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“Every decision we have made, we have discussed with him. It is useless for me to sit here and say that I decide: in his case, and I think it is deserved, I will always talk to him and ask him how he is, and we see if we reach an agreement,” he added.
The Argentina boss stressed that Messi’s influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch, noting that his leadership and presence remain invaluable even when he is not at full fitness.
“I think it has to be that way, because I repeat, he, even being on the pitch with a lot of difficulties, has given us a lot. So there are times when it is even better that he is in difficulty because of everything he generates.”
Messi is set to feature at a record sixth FIFA World Cup, a milestone few players could have imagined achieving. For Scaloni, however, the achievement is simply another reflection of the veteran forward’s extraordinary longevity and relentless competitive spirit.
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