Argentina national team

Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has expressed his desire to persuade Lionel Messi to reverse his decision not to play in the next World Cup in 2026.

Scaloni won the award for the best coach in the world, yesterday, Monday, ahead of the Spanish Josep Guardiola, the English coach of Manchester City, and the Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the Spanish coach of Real Madrid.

Scaloni said, when asked about the possibility of Angel Di Maria and Messi playing in the next World Cup: “We will strive to be with us in the World Cup, provided that they are in the best possible condition. We must pass the qualifying stage first, which is very difficult.”

Regarding Messi’s reversal of his decision, Scaloni commented: “It will depend a lot on his physical and moral condition. He loves football, is always happy on the field, and has always felt happy. He will continue to play.”

Scaloni expressed his happiness at renewing his contract with the Argentine national team until 2026, saying: “I am happy to continue my career and work with this group of players that gave us a lot.”

It is noteworthy that Messi announced last April that the World Cup in Qatar was his last, saying: “I have made my decision. This is my last World Cup (World Cup Qatar) for sure. I will announce my decision regarding my international career in early 2023.”

Messi returned and said, after his country’s victory over Croatia in the semi-finals: “I don’t think I will be ready to participate in the next World Cup. So, I hope to end my career in the best possible way. I feel very happy that I am able to achieve this, and end my journey in the World Cup by playing final match”.