Lionel Scaloni insisted Lionel Messi has the desire to lead Argentina out at the 2026 World Cup after scoring in their 5-0 win over Zambia on Tuesday. 

In what was Argentina's final game before Scaloni announces his squad for FIFA's flagship tournament, Messi scored in the 43rd minute at Estadio Alberto Jose Armando. 

Messi appears set to feature in his final World Cup for his nation in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, having led Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago. 

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has thrown his participation in this year's World Cup into doubt, though Scaloni remained confident that Messi would feature.

"It will be a privilege if Leo decides to play in the World Cup. We all want him to enjoy it, and we're helping him feel good," Scaloni said.

"He wants the same as us, now he's more relaxed because he's already won a World Cup.

"His desire to be there and share it is there; we'll see what he decides to do, and we'll support him."

Messi also recently amassed 900 career goals for club and country, a feat only great rival Cristiano Ronaldo has managed. 

"He could reach 1,000 goals. We'll have to see how much longer he plays," Scaloni added. "The thing is, he has to want to keep going.

"I hope he does, because he's happy on the pitch, and we all want to see him. One year, he scored over 90 goals – he can get there."

Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Messi doubled Argentina's lead just before the break, though a touching moment came just after the restart. 

After Thiago Almada was fouled by Albert Kangwanda inside the box, Messi handed the responsibility of the penalty to Nicolas Otamendi, who coolly dispatched it from 12 yards. 

Otamendi was likely playing his final match in front of the Argentina fans after announcing he would call time on his international career following the World Cup. 

The 38-year-old has made 130 appearances for Argentina, the fifth-highest total on the all-time list, and Otamendi is aiming to finish his time with the national team in style. 

"It was a long journey, full of many joys and some sorrows because it's football," Otamendi said.

"I'm leaving with the feeling of having given everything for the National Team, always ready to defend this shirt."