Messi 1,000 Goals? Scaloni Hints at a World Cup 2026 Encore
1 April 2026
Scaloni weighs Messi's World Cup future
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke after their emphatic 5-0 win over Zambia in a friendly as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Messi scored in the match, lifting his career tally to 902 goals.
Scaloni, in remarks carried by the Argentine network TYC Sports, said: 'It would be an honor to work with Lionel Messi if he decides this is his last World Cup appearance'.
The Argentine coach noted: 'With Messi you can't predict what will happen; everyone is eager to see him and enjoy his performance, and I will do my utmost to ensure the team supports him'.
When the time comes, if he is present at the World Cup, we'll sit down and talk, because he wants what we want. If he attends, he'll surely want to play. Let's hope we enjoy him if he decides that, and we'll see what happens.
Scaloni also addressed the possibility of Messi reaching 1,000 career goals: 'I think he will achieve this milestone if he keeps playing; I don't think he'll have any problem'.
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The coach concluded: 'I hope he keeps playing because he is happy on the pitch, and we all want to see him... how many goals has he scored? More than 90 in a single year in 2012, and he could achieve that again'.
Sniper joke 1: If Messi hits 1,000 goals, the scoreboard will file for overtime—math finally gives up before he does.
Sniper joke 2: Scaloni sits with the Flea, the sofa claps, and the fans demand a standing ovation from the net itself.
