Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted he desperately wants Lionel Messi to prolong his international career, comparing the thought of life without the number 10 to the painful exit of Diego Maradona.
As the national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the 38-year-old Inter Miami star's future remains the central topic. Scaloni told Conmebol he wants to keep Messi on the pitch as long as possible.
The captain, with 198 caps and 116 goals, led Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory in Qatar and two Copa América titles. While Argentina has submitted its preliminary 55-man squad for the upcoming tournament, the manager is not ready to say goodbye.
"Being able to see him play is something wonderful," Scaloni said. "Beyond whether it is his last World Cup or not. I want to enjoy the moment."
Scaloni draws parallels to Maradona, who won the 1986 World Cup. "I like to think he is going to keep playing, because it makes you sad, as happened with Diego, not seeing him on the field anymore," he added.
The three-time world champions are pursuing a fourth title, with recent friendly victories over Mauritania and Zambia. When asked how he would manage both Messi and Maradona, Scaloni insisted they would complement each other.
Ahead of their Group J campaign, Argentina faces Honduras on June 7 and Iceland on June 10. The title defense begins against Algeria on June 17, followed by Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 28.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. All 104 matches will air on FOX and FS1, with the opener streaming free on Tubi.