Messi hints at possibility of attending World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni says something surprising

2026 World Cup qualifying schedule in South America

6:00 a.m. September 10: Ecuador - Argentina

6:30 a.m. September 10: Bolivia - Brazil

6:30 a.m. September 10: Chile - Uruguay

6:30 a.m. September 10: Venezuela - Colombia

6:30 a.m. September 10: Peru - Paraguay

"I haven't spoken to Leo about going to the World Cup. I only know what he said and I think he will need time to calmly consider it.

"He deserves more time to think. Whatever Leo decides, everything will be fine. We need to leave Leo alone and not say anything more," coach Lionel Scaloni said at a press conference before Argentina's match against Ecuador in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America tomorrow morning (6am September 10, Vietnam time).

Messi úp mở khả năng dự World Cup, HLV Lionel Scaloni nói điều bất ngờ - 1 — Messi wants to take time to rest before deciding whether to join Argentina at the 2026 World Cup (Photo: Getty).

Previously, after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela on September 4, Messi confirmed that this was his last match for La Albiceleste at home and announced that he would likely not participate in the 2026 World Cup to rest and give opportunities to others.

"I'm trying to stay relaxed, and above all be honest with myself. When I feel comfortable, I enjoy it, but when I'm not comfortable, to be honest, I'm not enjoying it. So I won't go to the World Cup if I'm not feeling well. So, we'll see.

"I haven't decided about the World Cup yet. I'll finish the season, then I'll have pre-season, and I'll have six months to decide. Hopefully I'll have a good pre-season in 2026 and finish the MLS season well, and then I'll decide," Messi said about the possibility of him not participating in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

With 38 points after 17 matches, Argentina is sure to top the South American qualifying round. That's why coach Lionel Scaloni is committed to giving young players a chance when they visit Ecuador's Guayaquil tomorrow.

"Argentina will have some personnel changes, with players who rarely play on the field this time starting. Many young players have also improved recently, giving the team more options, and importantly, the way of playing and the identity of Argentina will not change, no matter who we choose to play," the 47-year-old coach affirmed.