Argentina’s 5-0 victory over Zambia gave Lionel Scaloni another reason to back Lionel Messi for the 2026 World Cup, as Messi scored and showed influence in Argentina’s final match before the squad announcement for FIFA’s showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Scaloni stressed that Messi, who turned the game with a first-half goal at Estadio Alberto Jose Armando, still has the drive to lead Argentina on the biggest stage, even after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years earlier and hinting that this World Cup may be the last.

The coach acknowledged Messi had previously raised doubts about taking part in the tournament, yet Scaloni underlined that the group believes Messi wants to stay involved. It will be a privilege if Leo decides to play in the World Cup. We all want him to enjoy it, and we’re helping him feel good, Scaloni said.

Scaloni described a calmer Messi, shaped by past success but still eager to compete with Argentina’s squad in North America. He wants the same as us, now he’s more relaxed because he’s already won a World Cup. His desire to be there and share it is there; we’ll see what he decides to do, and we’ll support him.

Julian Alvarez struck after four minutes to give Argentina control, before Messi doubled the advantage in the 43rd minute. Soon after half-time, Thiago Almada won a penalty when Albert Kangwanda brought Almada down in the area, triggering one of the evening’s most emotional moments for the home fans.

Instead of taking the penalty, Messi passed the ball to long-time team-mate Nicolas Otamendi, who converted calmly from 12 yards. The gesture recognised Otamendi’s service, as the defender has already said this World Cup will end an international career that has included 130 appearances, the fifth-highest total for Argentina.

{TABLE_1}

At 38, Otamendi is targeting a strong farewell with the national side after playing in multiple major tournaments for Argentina. It was a long journey, full of many joys and some sorrows because it’s football, Otamendi said. I’m leaving with the feeling of having given everything for the National Team, always ready to defend this shirt.

Messi World Cup 2026 Argentina: Goal records and future prospects

Beyond the friendly, discussion turned to Messi’s scoring record, after Messi recently reached 900 career goals across club and international matches, a landmark previously achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo, raising questions about whether Messi could extend that total towards another significant milestone.

Scaloni, who wants Messi to play for as long as possible, addressed that topic directly. He could reach 1,000 goals. We’ll have to see how much longer he plays, Scaloni added.The thing is, he has to want to keep going. I hope he does, because he’s happy on the pitch, and we all want to see him. One year, he scored over 90 goalshe can get there.

As Argentina move from this farewell match towards the final squad selection, Scaloni’s comments show clear backing for Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup, while Otamendi’s situation highlights the approaching end of a cycle for several veterans who aim to finish their national-team journeys on a positive note.