Lionel Messi's future at this summer World Cup is still undetermined, although the tournament is only more than 2 months away from starting.
Argentina national team head coach, Lionel Scaloni, affirmed that the decision completely depends on the captain of Inter Miami, in the context that the defending champion is preparing to enter the journey to defend the title.
That's the question for himself" - Scaloni shared when asked about Messi's ability, at the age of 38, to participate in the World Cup held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Messi once won the title of Best Player of the Tournament at the 2022 World Cup and is currently the greatest scorer in the history of the Argentine national team with 115 goals.
You all know my point of view. I will do everything to make him present. For the sake of football, Messi should participate. But the decision does not belong to me, but depends on his physical condition and spirit" - Scaloni emphasized.
He also admitted Messi's special appeal: "Not only Argentinians, but the whole world wants to see him play".
However, Scaloni affirmed that the team will not put pressure: "He deserves to be made a decision in peace. We are not in a hurry and believe that any choice will be good for the team and for him.
At the present time, Messi is still present in the Argentina national team's gathering and is expected to continue to play in the friendly match against Zambia.
In this call-up, Argentina still maintains its core force with many 2022 World Cup champions, while also giving opportunities to new factors such as Tomas Palacios, Gabriel Rojas and Gianluca Prestianni.
This is the group of players we are aiming for, but the door is still open for new faces. Everything will depend on form, fitness and integration ability" - Scaloni added.
Argentina will begin their journey to defend the World Cup championship with a match against Algeria on June 16, before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Messi made his 197th appearance for the Argentine national team when he came on as a substitute for Nico Paz at the beginning of the second half in the match against Mauritania on March 28. The reigning world champions won 2-1 thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nico Paz.
In general, Messi is still in very good form for Inter Miami in the US Major League Soccer (MLS). He has scored 4 goals in 4 matches this season, including a free kick that helped his team beat New York City 3-2.
Although his future at the World Cup is still uncertain, Messi still constantly affirms his class and influence, making the whole football world follow every decision he makes.
