The coach of the Argentine national football team, Lionel Scaloni, is still not sure whether Lionel Messi will play in the World Cup in North America in the summer.
At the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the “Albiceleste“ will defend its title from four years ago in Qatar, and the eight-time winner of the “Golden Ball“, who is also the leading scorer in the team's history with 115 goals, will be key to Scaloni's squad.
“That's a question for him (Messi). As far as I know, you already know what my opinion is. I will do everything possible for him to be there. I believe that for the good of football, he should play. I don't decide. It depends on him, his attitude and his physical condition“, said the Argentina coach, quoted by ESPN.
“It is difficult because not only the Argentines want to see him, everyone wants to see him. I want him to be there, but he will decide. He has earned the right to make this decision in peace. We are not in a hurry. We know that whatever he chooses will be the best for the team and for himself. We hope he will be there“, added Scaloni.
The Argentine specialist confirmed that Lionel Messi will play in the friendly matches against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (March 31), which will be held at the “La Bombonera“ stadium in Buenos Aires.
“Messi will play in both matches, but we will see if he will be from the first minute. We have two more matches on home soil and for every Argentine it is a great opportunity to see him on the pitch and enjoy him“, concluded Scaloni.
Argentina begins its defense of the World Cup finals on June 16 against Algeria, while the other two teams in Group J are Austria and Jordan.