Today : Mar 31, 2025
Sports
28 March 2025

Argentina Qualifies For World Cup Without Messi

Lionel Scaloni praises team’s resilience after key victories

In a remarkable display of resilience, the Argentinian national football team has secured their place in the 2026 World Cup qualification, achieving success without their iconic captain, Lionel Messi. Under the guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina triumphed in their recent matches, defeating Uruguay 1-0 and delivering a stunning 4-1 victory over Brazil.

Scaloni, who has been at the helm of the team since their World Cup victory in 2022, addressed the media on March 27, 2025, following the team's impressive performance. He emphasized the importance of focusing on each match individually rather than fixating on Messi's potential participation in the upcoming World Cup. "Let's see what happens, but first of all, you need to understand that there is still a lot of time left. You need to think about the match by match, otherwise I'm afraid that at every press conference and in every interview we will talk about one and the same thing until the end of the year. Let's leave Messi alone, let's see. He will make a decision when he wants to. You don't have to torture him with this," Scaloni stated.

Argentina's qualification marks a significant achievement for the team, particularly given the absence of Messi, who has been a pivotal figure in their recent successes. The team's ability to secure victories against formidable opponents like Brazil and Uruguay showcases their depth and talent. The win against Brazil was especially notable, as the team managed to dominate the match, demonstrating their capability to perform at the highest level even without their star player.

As discussions swirl around Messi's future and whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni's comments reflect a desire to alleviate the pressure on the legendary forward. Messi, who has been a central figure in Argentinian football for over a decade, has yet to confirm his plans for the tournament. Scaloni's approach suggests a commitment to allowing Messi the space to make his own decision without external pressure.

Meanwhile, Messi's rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to make headlines as well. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, has recently become the subject of a fighting game, showcasing his ongoing influence in the sports world beyond the pitch. This juxtaposition of two of football's greatest players highlights the evolving nature of their legacies.

In another intriguing development, Yassine Chouaib, the bodyguard of Messi, has challenged social media influencer and wrestler Logan Paul to a fight. This unexpected turn of events adds a layer of excitement to the narrative surrounding the two football icons, as their off-field lives continue to attract significant attention.

As the Argentinian national team prepares for the next phase of their World Cup journey, fans are eager to see how the situation with Messi unfolds. The team's recent performances have certainly raised expectations, and with Scaloni's leadership, they appear poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming tournament.

In conclusion, the Argentinian national football team has proven their mettle by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup without their captain, Lionel Messi. As they continue to build momentum, all eyes will be on Messi and the decisions he makes in the coming months. Will he grace the World Cup stage once again, or will this be a transition period for the legendary player? Only time will tell, but for now, Argentina's footballing future looks bright.