Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni addressed the growing uncertainty that Lionel Messi will choose not to play at the upcoming 2026 World Cup , reaffirming the team captain will "take this time calmly" before making a final decision.

Messi played his final official match in Argentina with La Albiceleste on Sept. 4, triumphing 3-0 over Venezuela in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental and tearfully waving to fans before refusing to guarantee his participation in next year's World Cup during a postmatch interview.

"But well, we're almost there, so I'm excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel," Messi said.

"I'm trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I do

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