After a thunderous 3-0 victory over Venezuela, Argentina national football team coach Lionel Scaloni tried to calm the swirling speculation surrounding Lionel Messi. The 38‑year‑old captain, who netted a brace at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, told reporters he would "take his time" before confirming whether he’ll lace up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Match Recap and Messi’s Heroics
The qualifier, played on September 4, 2024, was more than a routine win. In front of roughly 70,000 fans chanting his name, Messi opened the scoring with a low drive from outside the box, then added a second after a swift counter‑attack. As he lifted his arms in celebration, tears slipped down his cheeks – a visual that quickly went viral and sparked endless memes about a possible farewell on home soil.
Teammates such as Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez swarmed him, while the stadium’s speakers blared the Argentine anthem for a full five minutes. The win kept Argentina atop CONMEBOL Group A with 31 points, three clear of the nearest rival.
Scaloni’s Remarks and What They Mean
In the post‑match press conference, Scaloni, who guided the Albiceleste to the 2022 Qatar triumph, said: "Lionel’s health and mindset are the priority. He’ll decide when he feels ready, not because anyone expects him to.” He added that the coaching staff will continue to plan as if Messi is available, but they have contingency plans involving Álvarez and Martínez.
The Argentine press seized on Scaloni’s carefully worded answer. Some pundits argue the coach is buying time while the federation evaluates Messi’s injury record – he missed just 12 of 44 possible matches for Inter Miami in 2023 due to minor niggles. Others think the statement is a genuine reflection of Messi’s own cautious approach after a grueling season that saw him play 34 MLS games, 4 Copa Libertadores fixtures, and 11 World Cup qualifiers.

Messi’s Current Club Situation
Messi’s club, Inter Miami CF, confirmed he will be fit for the upcoming clash against Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium on September 13, 2024. The forward has expressed optimism about a “good preseason” ahead of the 2026 tournament, but he also warned that “the number of matches I’ve played with both club and country is high,” echoing the concerns that kept him out of the Quito qualifier on October 15, 2025.
Statistically, Messi has contributed 15 goals and 9 assists in the current MLS season, ranking third in the league’s scoring chart. His average distance covered per match sits at 10.4 km, only slightly below his 2022‑23 peak of 10.8 km, indicating he’s still able to endure the physical demands of top‑level football.
Implications for Argentina’s World Cup Campaign
If Messi decides to sit out, Argentina will rely heavily on the emerging duo of Álvarez and Martínez. Both players have combined for 22 goals in the current qualification cycle, a tally that would comfortably replace Messi’s 14‑goal haul from the previous campaign.
Analysts from CBS Sports and ESPN project that Argentina still ranks among the top five contenders for the 2026 2026 FIFA World CupUnited States, Mexico, Canada. The expanded 48‑team format could actually benefit a Messi‑less side, as the group stage offers more knockout spots, reducing the pressure of a single slip‑up.
Meanwhile, rival nations are sharpening their squads. Spain’s new manager Luis de la Fuente has already secured a quartet of players from La Liga, while Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States, is fielding a mix of MLS and European talent.

Historical Context: Defending the Title
Argentina’s quest to defend the crown is a narrative rarely seen. The last nation to repeat was Brazil in 1962 under Pelé’s brilliance. Since then, only a handful of teams have even reached back‑to‑back finals – Germany in 1990, France in 2018 (though they fell short in 2022). The pressure on Scaloni and his squad is therefore immense, not just to qualify but to lift the trophy again.
Scaloni himself has referenced the 1962 feat in interviews, saying, "We respect the history, but we also understand the game has changed. Age, fitness, and tactics are different now, and we’ll adapt accordingly." Whether Messi’s possible absence reshapes the tactical setup remains the big question.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Messi’s decision affect Argentina’s chances in the 2026 World Cup?
If Messi withdraws, Argentina will lean on the form of Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, who together have already scored 22 qualifying goals. While the team loses a creative maestro, the expanded 48‑team format offers a slightly easier path to the knockout stage, keeping Argentina among the top five contenders.
What were the key moments in the 3‑0 win over Venezuela?
Messi opened scoring in the 12th minute with a driven left‑foot strike, followed by a second in the 38th minute after a quick transition. A late third‑party goal by Álvarez sealed the match, and the home crowd erupted each time the ball hit the net, creating a palpable emotional atmosphere.
When does Messi’s MLS season end, and how might that influence his decision?
Inter Miami’s regular season concludes on October 20, 2024, with the MLS Cup Playoffs beginning shortly after. Messi has said he will evaluate his health after the season and during the preseason leading up to the World Cup, giving him roughly six months to make a final call.
Which other teams are viewed as Argentina’s main rivals for 2026?
Analysts consistently list Spain, England, France, and the United States as the other strong contenders. Each has a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talent, making the upcoming tournament highly competitive.
What historical precedent exists for a nation defending the World Cup title?
Brazil successfully defended the trophy in 1962, led by Pelé, after winning in 1958. No other country has repeated the feat since, underscoring the rarity and difficulty of back‑to‑back championships.