Argentina boss unsure about Lionel Messi’s future ahead of World Cup final: ‘He doesn’t stop surprising us’

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The Independent

18 July 2026

Lionel Scaloni

admitted he does not have a clue if the

World Cup

final will be

Lionel Messi

’s last game for

Argentina

The 39-year-old will win his 207th cap when

Argentina face Spain at the MetLife Stadium

in New York on Sunday.

Messi, who is in his sixth

and is aiming to win a second as captain, has not revealed if he intends to carry on playing for his country.

Lionel Messi’s future is unclear (Getty)

And manager Scaloni said Argentina’s record scorer has an ability to surprise people that means even he cannot be sure what he will do.

“What do I know?” said Scaloni. “Ask him, I don’t have the foggiest idea. He doesn’t stop surprising us.”

Scaloni described Messi as the greatest footballer ever as he said he finds it hard to credit that he is back in the

final at his age.

He added: “He is pure history, a legend. He is the best footballer the world has ever seen and reaching a final at 39 is something unbelievable and that is why I said we must enjoy him. With Diego Maradona, we still miss him but Messi is still with us so we must enjoy him.”

Argentina have won all seven of their matches at the

but Scaloni believes they need to be at their best to beat

Spain

who are European champions and unbeaten in 37 games.

Scaloni is friends with

manager Luis de la Fuente and is worried what his side can do.

He explained: “We prepared for it just as we usually prepare for all matches, we are really looking forward to things going our way, we analysed the opponent to see what we can do in the game. We will need to give the best version of ourselves to win.

“I am concerned as they are a great team, a great national team and they had this wonderful journey with Luis.”

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