Lionel Messi 'completed football' in 2022 - so what's driving the GOAT's pursuit of World Cup glory with Argentina in 2026? | Goal.com UK

Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad despite Messi not being fully fit.
Messi had already fulfilled his greatest career objective by winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
The 2022 World Cup title ended the long-standing criticism that Messi had not matched Diego Maradona at international level.
Messi became the first player to score in the group stage, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of a World Cup.
Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph is presented as a team achievement built around Scaloni's strong bond with the squad.
Messi took on a more vocal leadership role with Argentina, with teammates like Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez praising his influence.
The article says Messi kept playing because he was enjoying life as a world champion and wanted to keep competing with Argentina.
Messi's legacy is described as secure after winning the World Cup, making a 2026 appearance about enjoyment rather than redemption.

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Lionel Scaloni named an unfit Messi in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad, but after winning the 2022 title—ending Maradona comparisons and becoming the first scorer in every knockout stage—Messi now plays for enjoyment, not redemption.

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