Messi will play until he wants: Argentina coach Scaloni on star's international future

Argentina's national football team coach, Lionel Scaloni, has affirmed that legendary player Lionel Messi will continue his international career for as long as he wishes. Scaloni highlighted Messi's relentless pursuit of excellence as the key factor maintaining his status as one of the sport's finest, even at 38 years old. Having achieved ultimate success by winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Messi is now preparing for a potential sixth World Cup appearance as a defending champion.

“

He will play until he wants to because we already know what he is and it is not surprising that he plays his sixth World Cup.

Scaloni, in an exclusive interview with Diario Ole, quashed any suggestions of Messi retiring from international football soon. "He will play until he wants to because we already know what he is and it is not surprising that he plays his sixth World Cup," the manager stated. He further elaborated on Messi's sustained performance, noting, "He continues to be the best because he always wants more and shows he wants more."

“

He continues to be the best because he always wants more and shows he wants more.

Currently, Messi is managing a hamstring issue, training separately from the squad during their practice sessions in the United States. He has been sidelined since May 24 due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring but is anticipated to be fully recovered for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. Scaloni also detailed the team's approach to managing Messi's workload, emphasizing mutual respect and open communication rather than imposing strict restrictions. "Every decision we have made, we have discussed with him," Scaloni explained. "It is useless for me to sit here and say that I decide: in his case, and I think it is deserved, I will always talk to him and ask him how he is, and we see if we reach an agreement."

“

Every decision we have made, we have discussed with him. It is useless for me to sit here and say that I decide: in his case, and I think it is deserved, I will always talk to him and ask him how he is, and we see if we reach an agreement.