Scaloni says he met Messi privately but 'we didn't talk about the World Cup'

According to Goal, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed he held a private meeting with Lionel Messi and outlined what was discussed during their encounter.

Messi has not confirmed whether he will play at the 2026 World Cup and remains in the United States with Inter Miami, but told reporters: “I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there. At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special.” He also said to ESPN that he and Scaloni have “been talking about it” and that Scaloni “always tells me that he would like me to be there in any role.” Scaloni told AFA Estudio: “I met up with Leo because we were close by. We had coffee...He's a born competitor. He always wants to be there.”

Scaloni added that “we didn't talk about the World Cup. We'll see. As he says, there's still time. We shouldn't pressure him.” He also said he has “a list of approximately 50 players” to be reduced in the coming months, citing past injuries close to tournament dates. Scaloni said performance will decide selection — noting examples such as Thiago Almada — and expects a squad similar to the 2022 champions, with Argentina drawn in Group J and due to open against Algeria on June 26 in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan.

Key Topics

Sports, Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Argentina, Thiago Almada