Scaloni Gives Update on Lionel Messi’s Retirement Timeline Before 2026 World Cup

While it initially appeared that Messi would retire from international football after lifting the World Cup in 2022, he has continued to perform at an elite level, and Argentina will once again rely heavily on him in its title defense. Whether he retires after the tournament remains unclear, but Scaloni is not ruling out a longer international career.

“He’ll keep playing as long as he wants because we already know what he’s capable of,” the Argentina coach told Olé. “It’s no surprise that he’s playing in his sixth World Cup. How could that be a surprise? What is surprising is that he’s won only four titles with the national team.”

“He hasn’t changed much,” Scaloni continued, “he’s still the same, he’s still competitive, he’s going to play in his sixth World Cup, and he has the same drive. And I don’t think he’ll change; he’s the example you want to set for a soccer player. Look, it’s not what you win, it’s not how you play, but how you handle things, and that’s what we try to help the kids understand. They’re starting to get it.”

Messi will turn 39 during the World Cup, and while another campaign on soccer's biggest stage beyond 2026 would be a significant challenge, there is certainly a possibility that he could target another Copa América appearance in the summer of 2028.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been managing a minor muscular issue ahead of the tournament. Scaloni did not provide a specific update on his condition, but Messi is expected to be available for Argentina's opener against Algeria on June 16, and the coaching staff could opt to limit his minutes or rest him during the team's two friendlies.