Lionel Scaloni has set alarm bells ringing ahead of Argentina’s World Cup preparation, revealing that Messi has not yet decided whether or not he will feature at the tournament.

The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner has travelled in the squad and is set to play in Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia yet it turns out that his participation in the upcoming tournament is not a guarantee.

When asked whether or not Messi will play at the World Cup, Scaloni shocked the reporters in the room with his response: “That’s a question more for him [Messi].”

“As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand,” he added. “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. It’s difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him,” Scaloni added.

“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.”

Argentina will defend their World Cup title won in 2022 and will play in Group J, against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

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