Trending Now - Scaloni: Messi's Participation in 2026 World Cup Still Uncertain
WHO:
Joaquin Panichelli, Argentina striker
Lionel Messi, 38, Argentine national team player
Lionel Scaloni, head coach of the Argentine national team
Argentina national football team
Inter Miami, Messi's current club
WHAT:
Scaloni stated, "It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him."
Scaloni confirmed that Messi will play against Mauritania on March 27th, 2026, and Zambia on March 31st, 2026, but indicated that it is uncertain if he will start in the matches.
Argentina's World Cup title defense will begin on June 16th, 2026, against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Panichelli is reportedly set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to an ACL injury sustained in training.
Messi has not yet decided if he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Scaloni stated, "I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there."
Messi won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 115 goals.
Scaloni confirmed Messi will play in two international friendlies against Mauritania on March 27th and Zambia on March 31st.
Argentina's World Cup title defense begins on June 16th, 2026, against Algeria.
WHERE:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The friendlies will take place at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium in Argentina.
WHEN:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on June 16th, 2026.
Argentina was scheduled to play against Spain in the Finalissima on March 27th, 2026, but the game was cancelled.
WHY:
Scaloni believes Messi's participation is important for football, stating, "for the sake of football, he has to be there."
Scaloni emphasized that Messi has earned the right to make his own decision regarding participation.
HOW:
Scaloni mentioned that the squad selection will consider players' injury status and form, stating, "It's important that they're in good shape in every respect, or as close to their full potential as possible."
The injury occurred during a training session.
Scaloni mentioned that the decision on Messi's participation will depend on his state of mind and physical condition.
Scaloni indicated that the squad selection will consider players' injury status and form.
(UPDATED March 27, 2026 17:17 UTC)
Argentina's coach, Scaloni, has confirmed that Lionel Messi will play in upcoming matches against Mauritania on March 27 and Zambia on March 31, although it's uncertain if he will start. Scaloni expressed the excitement surrounding Messi's participation, noting that it's not just Argentinians who want to see him play, but fans worldwide. Looking ahead, Argentina's World Cup title defense will kick off on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J, with player selection depending on their injury status and form.
--
(UPDATED March 27, 2026 15:16 UTC)
Joaquin Panichelli, the Argentine striker, is reportedly set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to an ACL injury. The injury occurred during a training session, raising concerns for the team's lineup ahead of the tournament. This news comes as a significant blow to Argentina's hopes in the upcoming competition.
--
(UPDATED March 27, 2026 13:23 UTC)
Lionel Messi, the Argentine national team player and all-time leading scorer, has not yet decided if he will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 16 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will play in two international friendlies against Mauritania today and Zambia on March 31, emphasizing the importance of Messi's presence for football and stating, "for the sake of football, he has to be there." Scaloni also mentioned that Messi's final decision will depend on his mental state and physical condition, while the squad selection will take into account players' injury status and form.