Argentina carries painful memories from the 1994 World Cup hosted by the United States. Diego Maradona received a doping ban after the second group match, ending his World Cup career and leading to Argentina’s elimination in the round of 16. More than three decades later, Argentina looks forward to a brighter future for Lionel Messi, Maradona’s successor.
Messi turns 39 this month and many expect him to retire from international soccer after the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. If Messi and Argentina retain their World Cup title obtained in Qatar four years ago, they will be the first team to win consecutive championships since Brazil in 1962. Such an achievement could reinforce claims that Messi is the best player in history.
“I enjoy playing football and will continue until I can’t anymore,” Messi told Joaquín “Pollo” Álvarez in a YouTube interview. “I am competitive, aiming to win in everything, even at the cost of my children losing at video games. It’s my nature and it has led me to my accomplishments.”
After over two decades with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, Messi faces physical challenges. Ahead of his sixth World Cup appearance, he is recovering from a hamstring injury that forced an early exit in Inter Miami’s last match before the event. The Argentina captain trained solo at the team’s base in Kansas City.
“We wished that Messi would arrive in top condition but this is not the case. Many players are not fully recovered as well,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told DSports.
The team faces multiple fitness issues. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, a penalty shootout hero in 2022, has a fractured ring finger sustained in the Europa League final with Aston Villa. Defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero is healing from a knee injury back in April during his time with Tottenham. Right backs Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, and midfielder Leandro Paredes also suffer from muscle injuries.
Argentina, world champions in 1978 and 1986, starts the group stage against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Group J matches continue against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas. Scaloni keeps faith in 17 of the players from the 2022 victory, despite several lacking prime physical health.
“Changing them when they aren’t to blame is unjust. They’ve consistently shown their commitment to being here. Moreover, their performance remains strong,” Scaloni said.
After securing the Copa América title in 2024, Argentina led the South American World Cup qualification group. Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez plays a critical role in Scaloni’s strategy and has attracted interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG.
Three new players join the squad: Valentino Barco from Chelsea, Nicolás Paz of Como in Italy, and Juan Manuel López from Palmeiras in Brazil. Ángel Di María, vital in Argentina’s previous success and who retired from international play in 2024, is notably absent.
“Di María’s impact is irreplaceable, as is Messi’s,” Scaloni remarked.
Messi’s future post-World Cup remains uncertain. In September, he hinted this tournament might mark his farewell from international matches, acknowledging his final competitive match in Buenos Aires against Venezuela.
“It was touching knowing this was my final competitive game here,” Messi said after the Monumental Stadium match. “I’ve shared many moments—both triumphs and trials—with fans here.”
Scaloni, similar to most Argentines, becomes emotional envisioning Argentina without Messi. Reflecting on Diego Maradona, Scaloni shared his sentimental belief in Messi’s continued participation.
“Imagining their absence brings sadness, reminiscent of Diego (Maradona). Such players have left an indelible mark on football and their exit is unsettling. I prefer focusing on the current moment,” Scaloni expressed in a CONMEBOL interview.