Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted he "doesn't want to deal with the issue" of Lionel Messi playing at the 2026 World Cup.

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• Scaloni won't be drawn on Messi's future
• Pulled out of March camp due to injury
• Argentina boss wants to give him space

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina boss Scaloni has insisted that he wants to give Messi space to decide on his future after questions were raised over the Inter Miami star's chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup. The 37-year-old did not feature in the March international break due to a muscle injury, but in his absence, Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 and then thrashed arch-rivals Brazil 4-1 on Tuesday.

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• WHAT LIONEL SCALONI SAID

  Speaking to reporters after his side demolished the Selecao, Scaloni said of Messi's chances of making the next World Cup: "We're taking it game by game. I don't want to be dealing with that issue all year. We have to leave him alone and let him decide. He'll decide, and let's not drive him crazy."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi has been plagued with multiple injuries in recent times, and with just over a year left before the World Cup in North America, doubts have been raised over the Barcelona legend's participation. The Inter Miami skipper has now missed six Argentina games due to injury over the past year. In club football, he has played 90 minutes just three times since the start of the 2025 season and was rested for three consecutive games earlier this month.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

  It remains to be seen if Messi regains full fitness in time for Inter Miami's MLS clash with the Philadelphia Union this weekend.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News