Scaloni tends to be pensive about a lot of things, but especially when the subject turns to another Lionel, a much more famous one, arguably the most famous athlete in the world, and one the Argentina coach gets to see on a daily basis. Scaloni has watched Lionel Messi for much of his life. Both hail from the Argentine province of Santa Fe, Scaloni from the small town of Pujato and Messi from the much larger Rosario. Both of their paths passed through Newell's Old Boys, the historic club that has produced the likes of Maxi Rodriguez, Gabriel Batistuta and the current U.S. coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
So when Scaloni speaks about Messi's legacy, it bears listening.
Not only the Argentinian population but everybody, the whole planet, wants to see him play. Everybody wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an effect not only on Argentina fans but supporters all over the world.
Those supporters will likely get their last chance to see Messi wearing his light blue striped shirt at the World Cup beginning Tuesday night, when the defending champions open their tournament against Algeria at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.
Messi's Fitness and 200th Cap
Argentina's Lionel Messi practiced for the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas. Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring issue in the lead-up to the World Cup, but he's looked comfortable in the rare chances reporters have witnessed training. In last week's final tuneup against Iceland at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, he came into the game as a second-half substitute, scored moments later on a penalty kick and played 20 minutes without any problems.
So barring an unforeseen event, Messi, who has yet to speak publicly since the national team congregated for the World Cup about two weeks ago, will earn his 200th cap during its match against Les Fennecs.
There's nothing negative to say. He's always been there, and he's essential for us. He's going to remain that way.
Everybody Wants to Be Part of Messi Mania
Tapash Chakraborty, the 57-year-old owner of an engineering design company, posted up Monday inside a Kansas City bar, hoping to catch a glimpse of an Argentina player at a meet-and-greet held roughly 24 hours before the match. He had one in particular he wanted to see.
Messi is Messi. He is the god of football.
Chakraborty will be in the stands Tuesday. He wasn't alone, either. The room teemed with Messi shirts, just as the streets have in the early days of the World Cup. His famous No. 10 is ubiquitous, whether it be on his old Barcelona jersey, his current Inter Miami kit or that of the national team.
Michelle Lemmon, who made the 160-mile, 257.50-kilometer drive with her four children from her home in Kirksville, Missouri, to Union Station in Kansas City on Monday to celebrate her 42nd birthday, shared the same enthusiasm. Lemmon, who played college soccer at a Catholic school after captaining the boys' team at her high school, will be cheering for the U.S. throughout the tournament. But her dream matchup would be for the Americans to face Argentina in the final.
We're all Messi fans. He's the best player in the world.
It's hard. You've got to like him. I'm nervous that this might be his last World Cup, so we're very excited. Honored that they chose Kansas City as their home base. To have the World Cup champions here, you know, from 2022 is amazing.
Messi Seeks to Join Pele as Repeat World Cup Champion
Messi seeks to join Pele as a repeat World Cup champion as Argentina begins its title defense against Algeria on Tuesday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
