Argentina Aims for Victory as Lionel Messi Nears International Soccer Retirement
Argentina has a poignant history with the World Cup, recalling 1994 when Diego Maradona was dismissed after a doping scandal, leading to Argentina’s early exit. This year, Argentina looks for redemption with Lionel Messi, expected to retire post the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
If Argentina retains the title from Qatar 2022, they will join Brazil as back-to-back champions. Messi’s success may solidify his status as the greatest player. He expressed his love and competitive nature for soccer in an interview with Argentine journalist Joaquín Álvarez.
“I love playing football and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore.”
Messi, recovering from a hamstring issue, trains solo in Kansas City. His teammates are also battling injuries. Emiliano Martínez, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, and Leandro Paredes are among the affected players.
Argentina begins its group stage matches against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, followed by Austria and Jordan in Texas towards late June. Coach Lionel Scaloni maintains a roster featuring 17 of the 2022 World Cup winners, despite physical challenges.
Scaloni praised their commitment:
“The players who are here today have shown us they want to be here.”
Julián Álvarez, linked with top clubs, is crucial for the attack. Scaloni introduced debutants Valentín Barco, Nicolás Paz, and Juan Manuel López. Ángel Di María is absent, having retired in 2024, leaving an irreplaceable void.
Messi advises caution for fans, acknowledging stronger teams are favored:
“We have to get excited, like Argentines always do, but we also have to know that there are other favorites ahead of us.”
Messi holds the World Cup match record and nears Miroslav Klose’s goal record. Though retirement is not officially declared, he hinted it might be imminent, reminiscing about his last competitive home match.
Scaloni, reflective on Messi’s potential departure, shared:
“I prefer to think about the present.”