Tag: CONMEBOL Qualifiers

De la Fuente Tells Messi “Never Retire” as 2026 World Cup Decision Stays Open

Lionel Messi
January 2026

pain coach Luis de la Fuente urged Lionel Messi to keep playing as the Argentina captain continues to weigh up whether he will feature at the 2026 World Cup. Messi has said he will decide based on fitness and not wanting to be a burden. Messi helped Argentina qualify by scoring eight goals in South American qualifying, but has repeatedly stressed he will assess his physical condition day by day. Argentina will attempt to defend the title they won in 2022, and Messi is still undecided about joining that run.

Argentina Dominate Without Messi — But Hope Remains for 2026 Return

Argentina National Team, Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
March 2025

Argentina booked their 2026 World Cup ticket with dominant wins over Uruguay and Brazil — both without Lionel Messi.
Despite Messi’s absence due to an adductor injury, Argentina handed Brazil a historic 4-1 defeat and edged Uruguay 1-0, securing qualification. Coach Lionel Scaloni urged patience regarding Messi’s decision to play in 2026: “Let’s not drive him crazy with this.” Teammates like Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo De Paul made it clear they hope the GOAT returns: “With Messi, we might have scored more,” Álvarez said. De Paul added: “Our best version is always when No. 10 is on the pitch.”

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