Lionel Messi has not yet committed to playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Argentina's title defense beginning in just 81 days, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Thursday. The tournament will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Scaloni made clear the decision rests entirely with the 38-year-old forward.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition," Scaloni said.

"I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there," he added.

Messi will appear in both upcoming friendlies against Mauritania on March 27 and Zambia on March 31, with both matches held at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. Scaloni confirmed Messi's participation but left his starting status open.

Argentina's all-time leading scorer holds 115 international goals and won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2022 World Cup. Scaloni's 30-man squad includes 16 World Cup winners alongside uncapped defenders Tomas Palacios and Gabriel Rojas and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.

Argentina open their World Cup title defense June 16 against Algeria in Group J, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.