Scaloni: Messi will ‘play as long as he wants’ and controls his retirement

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi decides when he will retire and expects him to play his sixth World Cup. He told Diario Olé: "He will play until he wants because we already know what he is and it is not surprising that he plays his sixth World Cup." The Inter Miami forward, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is preparing for a record-breaking sixth appearance.

Scaloni pointed to an elite mentality that keeps Messi at the top, noting he still gets frustrated over minor incidents in club matches despite having won every major honour, including four international trophies in recent years. "He continues to be the best because he always wants more and shows he wants more," the coach said.

On managing playing time, Scaloni stressed decisions are taken together rather than imposed. "Every decision we have made, we have discussed with him.

Argentina, Miami

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