BUENOS AIRES: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has insisted that star player Lionel Messi has the right to decide for himself whether to help the squad defend their World Cup title in North America this June.
According to Scaloni, there is no pressure on Messi to make an immediate decision, and the 38-year-old needs to be given time to assess his physical and mental condition.
“He has the right to make that decision calmly. There is no need to rush,” he said.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and currently with Inter Miami, will be 39 when the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.
The striker is also Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 115 goals.
Scaloni said he personally hopes Messi will play at the World Cup because his presence is important not only for Argentina, but also for the world of football.
“I will do everything I can to make sure he is in the team. For the sake of football, he needs to be there.
“But the decision is not in my hands, it depends on him, his physical and mental condition,” he said.
Scaloni admitted that Messi’s presence was awaited not only by Argentine supporters, but also by football fans around the world.
In a similar development, Scaloni confirmed that Messi will play in two friendly matches in Buenos Aires against Mauritania, early tomorrow morning, and Zambia, early Wednesday morning.
“For the Argentine people, the opportunity to see them play on their home turf is something special,” he said.
Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with their title defence starting against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.