Lionel Messi, the captain of the team, has only participated in a single game in the last 25 days; yet, according to coach Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi is still in good enough shape to play in the next two rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which are against Uruguay and Brazil.
When Argentina gets back together this week to get ready for the next two World Cup qualifiers, the health of Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be the primary topic of conversation. Messi has only made one appearance in the last month, and that was in the friendly match that Inter Miami played against New York City on November 10 and lost 1-2.
The match took place at DRV PNK Stadium. This is simply an opportunity for the Argentine star to display the Golden Ball that Argentina won in 2023 in front of the public in their home country. The last time Lionel Messi participated in a competitive game was on October 21, 2018, when Inter Miami was defeated by Charlotte in the championship round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
However, Scaloni believes that Lionel Messi’s physical condition is up to the standards necessary for him to participate in the following two significant matches. During the news conference held before Argentina’s game against Uruguay on November 15, Argentina’s head coach stated that Messi is in good health and doing well. “Even though he only played one match in the past 25 days, Messi is still in very good shape and trains normally.”
This trainer also stated that he will continue to let Messi to play on the field until the renowned athlete expresses a desire to take a break.Messi set a record by winning a total of eight Golden Balls by scoring seven goals and contributing to Argentina’s victory in the World Cup 2022, including scoring twice in the championship game against France. When compared to other individuals, it is asserted that the 36-year-old celebrity is not deserving of the individual designation. Erling Haaland had a phenomenal season, scoring 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions. His efforts helped Man City win the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League for the first time in club history.
Scaloni gave the following response when he was questioned regarding this race: “Some people do it for debate, but I don’t think there is any debate. It’s beyond my comprehension. There will be no need for debate if everyone agrees that the title should go to the person who helps the most people. Messi is without question the very greatest.
Angel di Maria said earlier this month that he will step away from international football following the Copa America 2024 tournament. Messi has stated that he will take part in this competition, but he is keeping his options open on his participation in the 2026 World Cup due to his advanced age. Earlier in the week, defender Nicolas Tagliafico stated that Lionel Messi would be eligible to continue playing in the 2026 World Cup if Argentina were to win the Copa America in 2024. Scaloni said, “There is still a lot of time before the Copa America,” indicating that the competition has not yet begun. “We enjoy thinking about the past and reminiscing. I don’t dwell on Di Maria’s departure from the team in my thoughts. Messi is in the same boat. Now go ahead and enjoy them.
Alejandro Garnacho, a winger for Manchester United, was not selected for the team despite the fact that Di Maria was able to return to the squad after missing the most recent training session due to an injury. Scaloni explains it by saying that it was a decision based on strategy. “We don’t want to waste time and effort by calling up players who aren’t going to be used. Garnacho did not see a lot of playing time during the last training camp. However, we are continuing to keep a close eye on Garnacho since we believe he has a bright future.
The reigning World Cup winner got out to a flawless start in the qualifying stage, winning all four of their first matches, scoring seven goals, and not allowing any goals to be scored against them. But in this competition, Argentina will have to contend with a somewhat more challenging schedule. On November 17, Argentina will play host to Uruguay, and on November 22, the team will travel to the Maracana Stadium in Brazil.
Scaloni stated that Argentina has demonstrated that it is capable of competing against any opponent, and that the outcome of each match will determine whether Argentina will win or lose. “We are always ready to compete,” the coach, who was 45 years old, stated repeatedly. “We don’t think about Brazil, because first we have a match against Uruguay, an extremely difficult opponent.”