Lionel Messi is eager to participate in the 2026 World Cup, according to his national coach, Lionel Scaloni, although no official announcements have been made yet. 

"The first thing to mention is that both he and his teammates are aware that there is still a reasonable amount of time left, and they are all keen to play in the World Cup," Scaloni told DSPORTS. 

“We will have to wait and see how things develop. He (Messi) is aware of our thoughts, and he is the most intelligent among us all," the coach added.

Scaloni also addressed former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria's decision to retire from international football after winning his second Copa America trophy last year.

 "From what he has said, it is over, and he has concluded his career in the best possible way. If he had written his story, I don't think he could have ended it any better," Scaloni said.

Meanwhile in an exclusive interview with El Chiringuito, Cristiano Ronaldo dismissed any notions of animosity between him and Messi, making it clear that there has never been any ill will between them.“I’ve never had a bad relationship with him; if anything, it’s the opposite,” Ronaldo revealed.

Ronaldo and Messi have long been at the center of one of soccer history’s most iconic rivalries lighting up the pitch during their time with Real Madrid and Barcelona.