Tearful Scaloni Reflects on Messi, His Successor, and His Own Future

Discussion has been rife about Lionel Messi’s potential final match for Argentina on home soil. Tomorrow (Friday) at Estadio Monumental, Argentina faces Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier. Messi, accompanied by his family, will attend the match, which he himself has called “special.” Ahead of this fixture, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about Messi, his successor, and his own future, displaying a mixture of emotion and pride.

Match Timing and Context

• Match: Argentina vs Venezuela
• Venue: Estadio Monumental
• Date: Friday (Bangladesh time: 5:30 a.m.)
• Occasion: World Cup Qualifier

During the pre-match press conference, Scaloni showed mixed emotions. Once a teammate of Messi, he later coached the team to the highly acclaimed 2022 World Cup victory. Recalling past experiences, Scaloni became visibly tearful and described Messi as irreplaceable.

When asked if this could be Messi’s final home match, Scaloni stated: “I have spoken with him (Messi) here, but not about this match. He has already said what he needed to say—those are his final words on the matter. According to Leo, it is going to be a special, emotional, and beautiful match. If this is indeed his last World Cup qualifier at home, we must enjoy it. I will be part of the start, and having him is a joy for us. I hope fans attend, and he enjoys it, because he deserves that.”

During the press conference, an Argentine journalist became emotional when discussing Messi. Trying to lighten the moment, Scaloni asked: “Are you crying? Are you excited? That wasn’t my intention.”

The journalist replied: “You have given me one of the happiest moments of my life.”

Scaloni was seen wiping his eyes, highlighting the tearful and joyous atmosphere of the entire session.

Scaloni reminisced about playing alongside Messi: “I have played with Leo. Having him as a teammate and passing him the ball are wonderful experiences. Winning the World Cup through him was even more thrilling. As time passes, we realise the true value of those moments. Tomorrow’s match will also be exciting, but I hope it is not his last in Argentina. We want to see him here again—he deserves it.”

Messi could retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup, around the age of 40. Regarding his successor, Scaloni said: “No one in Argentina or world football can truly succeed Messi. Perhaps a few outstanding players will define an era, but what Messi has achieved will remain unparalleled. Many unimaginable things happen in football, but I am almost certain we will not see anyone like him again. He has no rival.”

Following Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, Scaloni’s coaching tenure has been under discussion. His role could end after the next World Cup, although he is open to contract renewal. “I am not ruling out contract renewal, but no discussions have taken place yet. Today is not the time to talk about that. We have matches ahead.”