Lionel Messi is gearing up for an emotional finale with Argentina, while Lionel Scalori wrestles with steering the squad beyond its golden era. Messi’s farewell is taking shape, yet Scaloni admits one thing he’d change. Ready for the last dance?
Argentina has set a three‑match friendly slate: Bolivia on Sept 30, Burkina Faso on Oct 3 and Benin on Oct 6. The finale at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium should give the 39‑year‑old icon the send‑off fans crave.
Scaloni has named Messi in his squad for the upcoming window, clearing the path for a likely final bow in the iconic blue‑and‑white. The 39‑year‑old will line up against Benin on Oct 6, as the AFA plans a special tribute.
The event caps a career that spans over two decades. Messi departs as Argentina’s all‑time top scorer and most‑capped player, after lifting the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América trophies.
Messi clutching the World Cup trophy.
Scaloni admits a single lingering regret concerning Messi.
Amid the farewells, Scaloni opened up about his bond with Messi, confessing he wishes he’d coached the star during his early years.
“The Messi at 22 or 23 was a once‑in‑a‑generation talent. He fit in well, but I’d have loved to guide him when he was younger. He was unique… he remains unique,” Scaloni told Tyc Sports.
His remarks underline how much he values the early‑twenties version of Messi. When Scaloni took the helm in 2018, the Argentine ace was already a global icon, so the coach never saw the teenage prodigy who dazzled Barcelona and world football.
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Scaloni said his focus was always to craft an environment where Messi and the squad could thrive. “He felt at ease with us. We threw every resource at ensuring he, and everyone, felt comfortable,” he added.
Scaloni alongside Messi representing Argentina.
That partnership proved central to Argentina’s triumphs under Scaloni. Messi finally seized the World Cup in 2022, and the team also captured the Copa América and the Finalissima. For my money, their chemistry was the secret.
The duo also rewrote Messi’s international narrative after years of doubt. Once vilified for national setbacks, he transformed into the captain who guided Argentina to its greatest glory.