Lionel Scaloni addressed his private meeting with Lionel Messi in Argentina as World Cup talk continues.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has opened up about a private meeting he held with Lionel Messi to discuss the forward’s future with the national team.
While the conversation has sparked speculation over whether Messi will feature at the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni stressed that it was more about their shared commitment to Argentina than any concrete decision on his playing role.
Lionel Scaloni on meeting Lionel Messi in Argentina
Speaking to AFA Estudio, Lionel Scaloni said he and Lionel Messi caught up over coffee while both were in Argentina during the MLS offseason.
Scaloni praised Messi’s leadership and attitude, describing him as a role model for the rest of the squad. The Argentina boss said the meeting reaffirmed his belief that Messi’s mindset has not changed with age.
“It was informal. We had coffee. Those of us who know him know he’ll never relax. He’s a born competitor. He always wants to be there, and that’s important for his teammates — that a captain behaves that way.”
“It’s a legacy he’s going to leave. Those who come after him have to take it up. He’s always been the same in that sense. He’s still hungry, and that’s what makes him different.”
Messi’s influence on Argentina’s next generation
Lionel Scaloni also highlighted Lionel Messi’s ongoing influence on Argentina’s younger players. “When the captain behaves like that, everyone else follows. That’s what defines this team,” he said.
Although Scaloni did not confirm whether Messi will take part in the 2026 World Cup, his comments suggest the door remains open for the captain to be involved in some capacity.
He described Messi’s professionalism as “a legacy for those who come next.”
Many expect Lionel Messi to lead Argentina as the captain into the 2026 World Cup, as the defending champions look to retain their crown as the world’s best.
Read More: FIFA announces first of its kind partnership with TikTok ahead of 2026 World Cup
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
