Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has asked for Lionel Messi not to be put under pressure over playing at the 2026 World Cup. The world champions secured their place in next year’s competition with a 4-1 win over Brazil earlier this week.

Argentina is proving it can win without Lionel Messi, just in case he opts not to play in the 2026 World Cup. After Argentina secured a spot in next year's competition, the main question now is whether the 37-year-old star will play in his sixth tournament and try to win back-to-back championships.