Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says up to Lionel Messi about playing in World Cup

Messi played his final competitive match for Argentina on home turf in September, but was coy over his participation in the tournament in America.

Uncertainty has swirled around Messi’s potential involvement in a sixth World Cup and ahead of friendly fixtures with Mauritania and Zambia, Scaloni admitted it is completely up to 38-year-old.

“This is a question more for him but as far as I’m concerned, you already know what I think. I will do everything I can to make sure he is there,” Scaloni told a press conference.

“I believe that he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, how he feels in his mind and his physical condition.

“It’s difficult because it’s not just Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him

“And then we have the dilemma as his coaches when he’s there, if he’s able to play the whole game or if he’s not

“I want him to be there, but he’s the one who decides. I’m not going to stand here and say, ‘Let’s see if I pick him or not.’

“He has earned the right to decide calmly. We are not in a rush. We know that whatever he decides will be the best thing for both him and the team. We hope he’ll be there but I can’t say much more.”