Recalling his team’s experience on the road to winning the 2022 trophy, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni remarked that it is unwise to celebrate the teams they will encounter in the group stage next year.

The defending champions will face Austria, Jordan, and Algeria in Group J.

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

“Remember what happened to us against Saudi Arabia?” Scaloni humorously asked reporters.
(Translation: Remember what happened to us against Saudi Arabia?)

Argentina unexpectedly lost their 2022 opener to Saudi Arabia 2-1 before ultimately winning the final against France via penalties.

“We must give our best in every match, so there’s no time to relax,” he declared. “We learned that the hard way.”

Scaloni participated in the draw ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he also unveiled the World Cup trophy.

“Holding the cup again was simply wonderful,” he said.
(Translation: Holding the cup again was simply wonderful.)

Will Messi Play at the World Cup?

Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, has yet to commit to participating, but it would be astonishing if he chose to miss out on a record sixth World Cup.

“We are just waiting for him to decide,” coach Scaloni commented. “So far, everything looks promising.”
(Translation: We are just waiting for him to decide. So far, everything looks promising.)

The 38-year-old star has propelled Argentina to lead in South America’s World Cup qualifiers, but it remains uncertain if he will partake in defending the 2022 title.

“I intend to take it one day at a time, staying honest and realistic to feel good,” Messi shared in an interview with ESPN Argentina earlier this week. “This year, I’ve felt quite well.”
(Translation: I intend to take it one day at a time, staying honest and realistic to feel good.)

The Inter Miami star mentioned that playing in the United States would facilitate his decision regarding the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, commencing on June 11 in Mexico City.

“The timing is different this season compared to Europe. We’ll initiate an intensive preseason in January, and there will be numerous consecutive matches with the league and the CONCACAF Champions League,” Messi explained.
(Translation: The timing is different this season compared to Europe.)

Messi and Inter Miami are gearing up to face Vancouver in the MLS Cup Final this Saturday.