Lionel Messi is widely expected to make his final FIFA World Cup appearance in 2030, but his influence on football remains unmatched. The Argentine captain cemented his legacy by leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praises Messi's enduring popularity, saying 'the whole planet' wants to see him play. Scaloni highlights Messi's role in shaping Argentina's successful period in football history.
Messi has been managing a minor hamstring concern but has shown encouraging signs of fitness in training sessions. He played without issues in Argentina's final warm-up match against Iceland, scoring a penalty and completing 20 minutes on the pitch.
Scaloni is confident in Messi's readiness for the challenges ahead, saying 'there's nothing negative to say.' Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi credits Messi's humility and competitiveness for the team's motivation, saying 'he's a simple man that just focuses on training.'
