'He is crazy' - Lionel Messi backed to play through to 2026 World Cup as Lionel Scaloni admits Argentina are still 'built around' Inter Miami superstar after his evolution into a midfielder

The World Cup-winning Argentina manager firmly believes that Messi is capable of playing through to the next global showpiece in 2026, not least because the Inter Miami superstar is still capable of blowing his team-mates away in training. Scaloni also admitted the Albiceleste squad is still built around the 36-year-old, who has evolved into more of a midfield player in recent months.

Speaking to Bobo TV, the 45-year-old coach said: "Messi played with his heart in this [2022] World Cup, he was unstoppable. Seeing him up close is something impossible to describe, if I told you the things he does in training you wouldn't believe me. He's crazy. I told Leo that as long as he’s happy on the pitch, he should continue playing as long as he can. He showed us that there are no limits in football, and that is amazing.

"In his career, he started as a striker, he played as a winger and now we see him as a midfielder. He can play wherever he wants, and the team is built around him. I think he can continue playing for the National Team, but the decision is his."

Right after beating rivals Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, Scaloni dropped a hint that he could part ways with the Argentina national team.

While it is not certain as of now if the manager will leave the world champions, Real Madrid have already shown their interest in Scaloni as the club eye him as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract expires at the end of the current season.

The former Barcelona star is currently enjoying his time away from the pitch as the MLS season is over. Inter Miami were reportedly set to face Al-Nassr in a friendly clash in 2024, although the club have denied playing any such game in the future.