Lionel Messi has left football fans around the world guessing after hinting that he may not feature at the 2026 World Cup. Supporters still dream of watching Argentina’s captain take the stage one last time to defend the trophy he lifted in Qatar, but his future remains undecided.
Scaloni: Messi Will Decide on His Own Time
Ahead of Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, Messi chose to prioritize his fitness and step away from the squad. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he has not spoken directly to Messi about the comments but stressed that the decision belongs to the player.
“I don’t think it’s right to put a percentage on it today because I honestly don’t know,” Scaloni said. “Many things can happen. We already have a core group of players, and when we know how many spots we’ll have, we’ll make decisions. As for Leo, I haven’t talked to him about it. I only know what he said publicly, and he’s going to take his time with this decision.”
Argentina Secure Top Spot Without Messi
Messi has returned to Miami to continue his season with Inter Miami. Argentina, meanwhile, remain in a dominant position in the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points—10 clear of Brazil with just one game left to play.
Scaloni used his final press conference of the qualifiers to reflect on Argentina’s progress. He avoided making promises about his own future but emphasized the culture his staff has built.
“From the first day, we aimed to create a sense of belonging, to play for the shirt with respect for teammates. That goal has been achieved. Winning makes everything easier, but even without the trophies, the group lived up to the values we wanted to instill,” he explained.
Who Will Wear Messi’s No. 10 vs Ecuador?
Argentina’s trip to Ecuador comes with another question: who takes Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt? Reports suggest Thiago Almada has been chosen to step into that role.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who moved to Atlético Madrid from Lyon this summer, impressed in the recent 3-0 win over Venezuela. Almada was part of the 2022 World Cup winning squad and already has 11 caps, four goals, and two assists for the Albiceleste. His creativity and attacking influence have earned him the honor of wearing Argentina’s most famous number, at least for now.
Messi himself explained why he stepped aside for the Ecuador match:
“I spoke with Leo [Scaloni] and we decided or rather, I decided that I should rest. I’m coming off an injury, and even though I’m fine now, we preferred to avoid the trip so I can rest properly and prepare for what’s ahead.”
The Bigger Picture
Messi’s future with Argentina remains an open question, but one thing is certain: his influence continues to shape the team, whether on the pitch or from the sidelines. For now, Argentina look strong, their identity intact, and their eyes set firmly on what comes next.
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