Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken about the World Cup draw and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Scaloni will present the World Cup trophy on Friday at the 2026 World Cup draw. Scaloni arrived in Washington for the World Cup draw on Friday and spoke about the possible group. Speaking to TyC Sports, here is what he had to say about entering the draw with the World Cup trophy:
“I found out just a little while ago, it’s a huge joy to be able to be in a draw again”
Scaloni also commented on the expectations of Argentina’s group at the World Cup:
“Compared to the previous one, I’m a bit more relaxed. After the draw, we’ll do all the possible calculations.
“Today we are doing well. I like that we continue to fight as if this team hadn’t won anything. The only thing that I am worried about is that the guys arrive to the World Cup well.
“You have to play against the best and there are many good ones, not just the first four in the rankings.”
The Argentina national team coach also spoke about Lionel Messi and if he will play at the World Cup:
“In principle, everything is going well, but as he says, there is still time. Although it seems like the World Cup is close, six months is a long time. Let’s hope he is well and makes the best decision for himself. He has earned the right to decide.”
Argentina are in Pot 1 for the 2026 World Cup draw.
The reigning World Cup champions are in Pot 1 for the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday. Lionel Scaloni’s team are in the same pot as co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Also in Pot 1 are Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Argentina would not play against those teams in the group games.
In Pot 2 are Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Argentina cannot be drawn in the same group as the South American teams.
Por 3 has Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Argentina cannot be drawn in the same group as Paraguay.
In Pot 4 are Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti and New Zealand. The remaining teams in Pot 4 are six teams who will qualify through the playoffs.
Lionel Scaloni will present the FIFA World Cup trophy at the draw in the United States on Friday.
Gabriel Batistuta spoke about Argentina being one of the favorites at the 2026 World Cup.
Batistuta played in three FIFA World Cup’s with the Argentina national team, scoring 10 World Cup goals. Speaking in an interview with Ariel Senosiain of TyC Sports, Batistuta spoke about Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Here is what he had to say:
“I think Argentina is one of the best teams around right now. We’ve just won the World Cup and the players know how to play. They’re relaxed and they know what it takes to win.
“Of course, there’s a lot of pressure to defend that title, but this group is capable. That’s the feeling I get.
“I don’t know why Argentina isn’t considered a contender; it’s as if they’re not even being taken into account. I’m sure and convinced that they’ll play in the final again. This group gives me a lot of confidence.”
Santiago Castro scored for Bologna in their 2-1 win against Parma.
Castro made it one goal in one match in the Coppa Italia and five goals in 16 matches for Bologna. With the score at 1-1, it was a cross into the penalty area which found Castro and the Argentine would head the ball and score to give Bologna the 2-1 lead.
Lionel Messi spoke with ESPN in Miami ahead of the World Cup 2026 draw. He talked about Argentina’s chances, his relationship with Lionel Scaloni, his past with Pep Guardiola, and personal memories from different stages of his life and career.
Messi said that the national team will try to compete for the title again. “It is a group that will try again, that will give everything and will compete. Then, through small details, you can be eliminated. A World Cup is very difficult. Any national team can create problems and can eliminate you.” He recalled how Argentina reached penalties against the Netherlands and France in 2022, saying: “We were superior in both matches, but we still went to penalties and we had Dibu Martínez, who made us win. But we could go to penalties and not win. It is very difficult to win a World Cup.”
He pointed out that several national teams will arrive with strong expectations: “There are very good national teams such as Spain, France, England, Brazil, Germany. National teams that want to be champions.” During the conversation, he also spoke about being part of the tournament: “I hope I can be there. I would like to be there. If not, I will be watching it in person, but it will be special.”
Messi reacted to an old video of Pep Guardiola praising him and described the impact the coach had on his development. “He is unique. There are very good coaches, but he has something different. For me he is the best… When it comes to seeing things, preparing matches, and transmitting ideas, he is complete.” He also remembered how Guardiola changed his role on the field: “I grew tactically with him… He put me as a false 9. In the youth academy I played behind the striker. I grew from there.”
Messi talked about his own competitive nature. “I am competitive. I like to win and try. We had bad stretches and difficult moments, but we always tried to get up… With time I value things more.” He shared memories from his early days in Rosario: “Seeing the Grandoli club and my origins moves me… They are good memories.” He added that he still enjoys playing with his children: “Now I juggle the ball with my kids… The ball always attracts me.”
He explained how he changed once he was on the field. “As a kid I was tough on the field. My personality changed when I entered the pitch. Off the field I was shy, but inside I transformed… I shouted, I wanted to win… It still happens today.”
Messi also spoke about Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes. “Paredes and De Paul are the players you want on your team but not as rivals. They are normal guys… Paredes made a big change at Boca since his arrival. Boca became strong at home and much of that is because of him.”
He talked about the MLS schedule and how it differs from Europe. “It is a reality that our season is different from Europe… This year I felt very good. I played many matches. MLS is very physical, with long trips and matches that break a lot and go back and forth. I hope next year is the same.”
Messi highlighted the work of Lionel Scaloni and how the coach shaped the team. “We have very good players… The desire and excitement are the same as when Scaloni started… New players keep coming, and they adapt quickly. Winning the last World Cup gives confidence.” He added: “Scaloni established an idea… The best thing he did is the closeness with the group… He speaks directly and says what he needs to say to each one.”
Messi described his daily life and his preference for simple routines. “I try to live without pretending. My circle is small… December and spending the holidays in Argentina is the best… I live a normal life.”
He closed by speaking about his family. “For me, family is the most important. They were always by my side. We had difficult moments… My family stayed in Argentina and watched everything… We are very close. I enjoy having them near.”
