Argentina soccer legend Lionel Messi has yet to make a decision on whether he’ll play in this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
National coach Lionel Scaloni told media on Friday that he’d love to see Messi at the World Cup, but he is giving him space to make the decision on his own.
“As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand,” Scaloni said. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure he’s there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition.”
The 38-year-old Messi, who plays for the MLS club Inter Miami, has competed in five FIFA World Cup tournaments dating back to 2006.
He led Argentina to the title four years ago in Qatar and was named Player of the Tournament in the process after scoring seven goals and three assists over seven games. Messi netted two goals in a thrilling win over France in the final.
“It’s difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him,” added Scaloni.
“I want him to be there. It’s up to him to decide. He’s earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We’re in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there.”
Messi is expected to suit up for Argentina in a friendly against Mauritania on Friday as well as a friendly against Zambia on Tuesday.
Messi is the country’s all-time leading scoring with 115 goals over 138 appearances. He has four goals in four games this season with Inter Miami, his fourth campaign with the MLS franchise.
Argentina, currently ranked third in the world, will be in Group J at the World Cup, alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. They will kick off their tournament against No. 28 Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kanas City, home of the Chiefs.
Argentina has won three men’s World Cups in their country’s history.
