Lionel Messi has spoken about national teams that are arriving in better form than Argentina at the World Cup and coach Lionel Scaloni.

Messi commented on the national teams that are ahead of the Argentina national team and in better form. Speaking in an interview with Pollo Alvarez, here is what Messi had to say:

“Ahead of us, there are other favorites, arriving in better form. France are very good, once more. They have a lot of players at a great level.

“Spain, Brazil, are always a candidate.

“Portugal, have a very competitive national team.”

The 38 year old also spoke about Lionel Scaloni and the day he would leave as coach of the Argentina national team:

“Scaloni’s future? It depends on what he intends, what he wants. Maybe he wants to try new challenges. He’s never been on a team, a day to day. For what I’ve lived, the experience and what I see, he is the best, to stay as long as he wants.

“It’s going to be tough for whoever comes next. Being on the national team after everything that has been achieved in this generation.

“We are a country that demands.”

Nicolás Otamendi has received good news ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA granted the defender amnesty following his red card against Ecuador in Argentina’s final World Cup qualifying match.

The decision means the Argentina national football team center back will now be available for the Albiceleste’s opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas.

Otamendi had originally been expected to miss the match due to suspension after being sent off in September during Argentina’s final qualifier. The Benfica defender brought down Enner Valencia near the edge of the penalty area as the Ecuador striker was through on goal. Referee Wilmar Roldán immediately showed a red card without consulting VAR, marking Otamendi’s first-ever sending off with Argentina.

Because Argentina did not play another official match afterward — with the planned Finalissima in March ultimately canceled — Otamendi was set to serve the suspension in Argentina’s World Cup opener.

However, FIFA accepted a request from the Argentine Football Association and granted the experienced defender amnesty, clearing him to play in the first match of Group J.

Argentina’s Football Association has officially begun efforts to have Nicolás Otamendi available for the team’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The AFA confirmed on Wednesday that it submitted a formal request to FIFA’s Bureau seeking amnesty for the veteran defender, who is currently suspended for one match following his red card against Ecuador in Argentina’s final 2025 World Cup qualifying match.

Otamendi was sent off during Argentina’s away match against Ecuador in September 2025 and, under FIFA regulations, is expected to serve the suspension during Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas.

However, with a month remaining before the start of the tournament, the AFA is attempting to overturn the suspension in hopes of having the experienced center back available for Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

“The Argentine Football Association, through its president Claudio Tapia, carried out negotiations before FIFA’s Bureau so that Nicolás Otamendi may be eligible for the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, due to the expulsion against Ecuador in the last CONMEBOL South American Qualifiers match,” the AFA said in an official statement.

At 38 years old, Otamendi is preparing for what would be his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance with Argentina. The Benfica defender remains an important figure in Lionel Scaloni’s squad and was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team as well as the back-to-back Copa América titles.

Julián Álvarez does not have a serious injury and there are no concerns for the World Cup.

Álvarez was substituted out for Atletico Madrid in their 1-0 loss against Arsenal in the Champions League. According to Gastón Edul, there is no new injury and the previous one which Julián Álvarez had did not worsen.

The 26 year old asked to be substituted out because he had received a knock to the ankle.