Will Lionel Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup? Argentina Manager Offers Update

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not yet confirmed if he will compete in the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi could make his sixth World Cup appearance this summer. | Luis ROBAYO–AFP / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV–AFP / Presley Ann–Getty Images for The Coca-Cola Company / Getty Images

Lionel Messi shined in Argentina’s dominant 5–0 win over Zambia at La Bombonera on Tuesday, notching a goal and an assist for the Albiceleste in what may have been his final game on Argentinian soil.

The 38-year-old has not yet confirmed if he will continue his international career and compete at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer—which would be a record sixth men’s World Cup appearance (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).

The star attacker, who will turn 39 during the group stage of the World Cup, has already experienced the greatest possible magic of the sport’s grandest stage, after captaining his country to a 2022 World Cup victory at Qatar—a feat that earned Messi his eighth Ballon d’Or. He scored a brace in the final against France and was brought to tears in front of passionate supporters.

Messi also said last September that he planned to take things “day by day, game by game” with regards to a 2026 World Cup decision. “This year we had so many matches, one after another. I just came off a break for a few days, then had another setback,” he said at the time.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, however, provided an update on Messi’s World Cup status to reporters after the team’s win on Tuesday night.

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What Did Scaloni Say?

Lionel Scaloni opened up about Messi’s availability for the 2026 World Cup. | IMAGO/NurPhoto

Messi has a “desire” to play at the World Cup this summer, according to Scaloni.

“It will be a privilege if Leo decides to play in the World Cup,” the Argentine manager said. “We all want him to enjoy it, and we're helping him feel good. He wants the same as us, now he's more relaxed because he's already won a World Cup.

“His desire to be there and [to] share it is there, we'll see what he decides to do, and we'll support him.”

Scaloni’s statement comes just days after he provided assurance to reporters: “I’ll do everything possible to make sure he’s there. I believe that, for the good of soccer, he should be there. All Argentines want to see him, and so does the world.”

Two decades later. pic.twitter.com/AX8nPypgSv

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) March 30, 2026

Argentina, who recently cancelled the Finalissima set for March 27 against Spain, will not play in any more games ahead of the World Cup. Given that Messi remained involved with Argentina through the latest stage of World Cup preparations, it would be surprising if he did feature in the summer showcase.

The Albiceleste will compete in Group J, opening play against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Mo. The South American side currently sits at No. 3 in the FIFA World Rankings, and Sports Illustrated writer Grey Whitebloom predicts the country to make it all the way to the 2026 World Cup finals, for the chance to become the first back-to-back men’s World Cup champions since 1962.

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