Argentina remembers 1994, the last time the United States hosted the World Cup, with mixed emotions. Diego Maradona was expelled due to a positive doping test after the second group stage match. Argentina was eliminated in the round of 16, and Maradona never played another World Cup match.
Fast forward to today, Argentina looks forward to a different outcome as Lionel Messi, Maradona’s successor, prepares for possibly his last World Cup. At 39, Messi is likely to retire from international soccer following the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. If Argentina retains the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago, they would be the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962. This win would also support those who consider Messi the greatest player ever.
“I love playing football and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” Messi told Argentine journalist Joaquín “Pollo” Álvarez during a YouTube interview. “I’m competitive, I like to win at everything. I don’t let my kids win at video games sometimes. It’s just my nature and what led me to achieve everything I have.”
After over two decades with teams like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, Messi shows signs of wear. Approaching his record sixth World Cup, he is recovering from a hamstring issue sustained during an Inter Miami match on May 24. This week in Kansas City’s base camp, he participated in solo workouts.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, highlighted fitness concerns across the team in an interview with DSports. Key players face injuries:
- Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, famed for penalty saves in 2022, is recovering from a fractured ring finger.
- Defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero is healing from a knee injury sustained with Tottenham in April.
- Right backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, and midfielder Leandro Paredes, are dealing with muscle injuries.
Despite challenges, Scaloni supports the core World Cup-winning roster from 2022, relying on their proven dedication. Argentina plays their opening match on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by games against Austria and Jordan in Texas.
Scaloni emphasizes continuity over alteration, noting a consistent desire and performance level among 17 of the 26 champions. Argentina secured the Copa América in 2024 and topped South American World Cup qualifiers.
Julián Álvarez is pivotal to Scaloni’s offensive strategy, attracting interest from major clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG. New faces include Valentin Barco, Nicolás Paz, and Juan Manuel López. Angel Di María, retired since 2024, is a noticeable absence from past triumphs. Scaloni acknowledges Di María’s irreplaceable role alongside Messi.
“It’s impossible to fill Di María’s shoes. He and Messi are irreplaceable,” Scaloni stated.
Messi advises a measured excitement for the World Cup, recognizing other teams in stronger form. Already holding the record for World Cup matches played, he approaches Miroslav Klose’s goal record. While not confirmed, Messi hinted at retiring post-World Cup, referencing an emotional last home game against Venezuela.
Reflecting on his time at Monumental Stadium, Messi remarked on the significance of playing before home fans. Scaloni shares the emotional impact of contemplating a team without Messi, noticing the similar sentiments felt with Maradona’s departure. He prefers focusing on the present contributions of these iconic players.
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