As Argentina ramp up preparations to defend their crown on the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s presence had but to be formally confirmed by the participant himself, who beforehand acknowledged he would make a remaining resolution primarily based on how his physique felt main as much as the match.
Nonetheless, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala dropped a large trace that Messi will certainly be headed to North America to spearhead the reigning champions. “For us, there was by no means any doubt,” Ayala acknowledged throughout a latest interview with the Clank! podcast when pressed on Leo’s availability for the upcoming World Cup showcase.
Whereas the official Albiceleste squad checklist sure for North America stays below wraps, Ayala make clear Lionel Scaloni’s uncommon choice course of. He revealed that every member of the teaching workers drafts and submits their very own private roster earlier than Scaloni steps in to make the final word remaining cuts.
Ayala additional defined that whereas the ultimate roster isn’t fully set in stone, the workers has roughly 80% of the squad locked down. With a June 1 deadline looming to submit the definitive checklist, Scaloni is predicted to make the official announcement within the coming days—the place Messi will undoubtedly headline the 26-man roster.
De Paul additional backs Messi’s World Cup presence
Ayala wasn’t the one one to not too long ago trace at Messi’s participation. Inter Miami midfielder and worldwide teammate Rodrigo De Paul had beforehand dropped comparable clues relating to the captain’s mindset.
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Talking on the present Lo del Pollo, De Paul revealed that he and Messi are at the moment present process a specialised, high-intensity coaching routine in Miami, explicitly tailor-made to make sure they hit the world’s greatest stage in peak bodily situation.
“We’re each pushing ourselves bodily to reach in the very best form; we set a double-shift routine for ourselves and we’ve got our personal coach—we’re placing within the work and doing nicely. It’s separate work from the membership with the World Cup in thoughts,” the Argentine midfielder revealed throughout the interview.
