Lionel Messi is still undecided over whether he will play at this year's World Cup, Lionel Scaloni conceding ahead of Argentina's title defence.

FIFA's flagship tournament will get underway on June 11, with Argentina set to play their first Group J match against Algeria five days later. They will also face Austria and Jordan in their group.

Should Messi play, he will appear at a record-breaking sixth edition of the tournament, having helped Argentina to lift the title in 2022.

Messi, who will turn 39 during the World Cup, has made a record 26 appearances in the competition, while his 13 goals are more than any other Argentina player.

In fact, he holds the record for the most goal involvements in World Cup history (21 – 13 goals, eight assists) and only needs three goals to equal Miroslav Klose's all-time scoring record.

Scaloni has made no secret of his desire to have Messi in the squad when they travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico later this year, but he is yet to hear the captain's final decision over his involvement.

"That's a question more for him [Messi]," Scaloni said when asked if Messi will play at the World Cup.

"As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand. I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there.

"It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition.

"It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him; everyone wants to see him.

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"I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."

Messi will feature in both of Argentina's friendlies this month against Mauritania and Zambia on home soil, after their Finalissima against Spain – due to be held in Qatar – was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.

"Messi will play both games, but we will see if he will do so from the start," Scaloni added of the upcoming fixtures, the first of which will see them play Mauritania on Friday.

"To have two more games on home soil, for an Argentinian, it is a beautiful opportunity to see him [Messi] on the pitch, to enjoy what we enjoy when he is here."