Lionel Scaloni explains what Lionel Messi needs to do to play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has discussed what it will take to bring Lionel Messi to the World Cup in 2026 after Argentina won the trophy in 2022.

Scaloni talks about the 2026 World Cup.

Makes a significant Messi admission

Last year, an Argentine finally won the coveted prize.

WHAT OCCURED? Three months after giving the football world a true fairytale ending by leading Argentina to a World Cup title, Scaloni is already being questioned about the 2026 tournament, in which the Albiceleste will defend their title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was specifically asked if a certain seven-time Ballon d'Or winner would be able to compete despite being in the latter stages of his career.

WHAT THEY SAID: According to ESPN Colombia, Scaloni was asked about Messi's future with Argentina and if he could play in one more World Cup while speaking at a Gala in Italy: "Leo will decide whether or not to participate in the next World Cup; if his body can take it for me, he will."

"Behind our title, there was a communion of intentions between the fans, the staff, and the players, something emotional that made sense of belonging for this unique shirt even stronger," he added.

"Having a player like Messi was, and continues to be, an advantage. Training him is a pleasure for me as a former teammate. I notice how the other players are staring at him and following him. He's the greatest."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Many believed that the 2022 World Cup would be Messi's final chance to win the trophy. But, at 35 years old, he fulfilled the prophecy by leading his country to victory in the tournament for the first time since 1986, adding football's biggest prize to his already crowded trophy cabinet and solidifying his legacy in the game.

For most, that would be the ideal conclusion to a glittering international career, but Messi has a different plan.