Scaloni addresses Messi retirement speculation before World Cup final

By Rohit Verma — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has commented on the ongoing speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s future with the national team, ahead of their World Cup final match against Spain. Scaloni stated that he has no information about Messi’s plans after the tournament, leaving the decision entirely to the captain. The final is scheduled to take place in New York, United States.

The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s international career comes despite his strong performance in the current tournament. The 39-year-old has scored eight goals and provided four assists, placing him in a shared top position for the Golden Boot race. His contributions were also crucial in Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory against England.

Messi’s Future Remains Undecided

During a press conference held in New York City on July 17, 2026, Scaloni was directly asked about the possibility of Messi continuing to represent Argentina. The coach, who led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022, indicated that the choice rests solely with Messi. “What do I know? Ask him,” Scaloni remarked, adding, “I don’t have the faintest idea, to be honest. He doesn’t stop surprising us.”

This response highlights the respect and autonomy given to Messi regarding his international career. The focus remains on the upcoming final, where Messi will attempt to guide Argentina to another major triumph. Whether this match marks his final appearance for his country or another chapter in his career is yet to be determined.

Scaloni Praises Squad’s Achievements

Beyond the discussions about Messi, Scaloni also took time to acknowledge the accomplishments of his entire squad. He revealed that he had spoken with the players to express his gratitude for their sustained success over recent years, emphasizing the difficulty of their achievements.

“It’s very difficult to do this. They’ve achieved things that back in the day were totally unthinkable,” Scaloni stated. He further shared his appreciation, saying, “I told them yesterday that they had done something unbelievable and that I was deeply thankful.”

Scaloni extended his thanks to his entire staff, acknowledging the collective effort involved in reaching this stage of the World Cup. He noted that competing at such a high level for an extended period is a significant feat. “My whole staff and myself will be thankful forever. It wasn’t easy to get to this stage of the World Cup and compete for so many years at this level, so I think this is wonderful.”

The coach also expressed his hopes for the final, while also reflecting on the journey itself. “I hope we win, but if we don’t, this journey was unbelievable and an example for everyone. I hope it will help our people and our country,” he concluded, underscoring the broader impact of the team’s performance.

Preparations for the Final

Both Argentina and Spain held press conferences on July 17, 2026, in New York, ahead of the final match. Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, and Rodri of Spain were among the players who attended these events. Head coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente also participated in media interactions.

In addition to the press conferences, several individuals, including Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, and Rodri, attended the Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York on July 17, 2026. Other notable attendees at the event included Kevin Hart, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant, indicating the widespread interest in the upcoming final.

The final match between Argentina and Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in New York, United States, on July 18, 2026.

Source: english.news.cn