The holders have secured their place at next year's tournament in North America and the manager says it will be down to the Inter Miami player to decide if he wants to try and win football's biggest prize again.

Scaloni said: "We will see what happens, there's plenty of time.

"We must go one game at a time otherwise [we] will be speaking about the same thing the rest of the year and we need to leave him alone, we will see. He will decide it whenever he wants, let's not drive him crazy with this."

La Albiceleste beat Uruguay and Brazil in the latest round of South American World Cup qualifiers without Messi - who was absent due to injury - and the legend previously explained that he values happiness and health over helping his country defend the title.

Messi said last October: "In the moment, we will see.

"I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.

"When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well."

The former Barcelona star did declare that he would continue representing Argentina for as long as he can keep "contributing" to the team.

Messi said: "It's a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again.

"I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team]."