Scaloni reflects on Messi’s announcement: “We must enjoy him while we can” | OneFootball

Lionel Scaloni, head coach of the Argentine National Team, reflected on Lionel Messi’s announcement, who confirmed that in September (against Venezuela and Ecuador) he will play for the last time in World Cup Qualifiers with the Argentine National Team.

“It’s a bit part of who we are. We always seek out melancholy, even while enjoying ourselves. The same thing happened with Fideo… Let’s enjoy him while we have him. Whatever has to happen, will happen. Now is the time to enjoy him, not to think about when he’s gone or to wait for him to make the announcement,” he explained in a preview of an interview with TNT Sports.

“He is so important to the world of football, not just for Argentines, that I think it’s important to enjoy him now, and not think about what will happen in the future. That’s what we try to do as a coaching staff, his teammates try to enjoy him and not overwhelm him so much,” he added.

At the same time, he acknowledged that “it can’t be easy” to make the decision to say goodbye to the national team. “Just as it wasn’t easy for me to stop playing. It’s a difficult moment. He’s earned the right to decide when to do it and, from our side, he’ll have all our support,” he concluded.

On another note, Scaloni spoke about Ángel Di María’s stunning free-kick goal, a symbol of the Argentine National Team and who was the hero for Rosario Central in the recent classic against Newell’s. “I saw it, I saw it. He scored the goal against Newell’s… Mixed feelings, ha. I’m really happy for him. Against Newell’s, of all teams…,” he joked, referencing his own past with Newell’s. And he added: “He said it himself, he waited 18 years. I know very well what Central means to him. He’s a spectacular, noble guy. It seems like it was written in his story, coming back and being able to score that goal, it was emotional for him and his people. From our perspective, since we care about him so much, it was a huge joy. He scored against Newell’s… but I’m happy for him because he’s a spectacular guy.”

Lionel Messi, who has spent 20 years with the senior Argentine National Team, confirmed that the next double matchday will be his last in the Qualifiers. Against Venezuela at the Monumental on Thursday, September 4, it could be his last match in the country. “It’s going to be a very special match for me. I don’t know if there will be any friendlies afterwards. That’s why my family will be with me: my wife, my children, my siblings, my parents, and all my wife’s family. We’re going to experience it in that special way. I don’t know what will happen, but that’s our intention,” he said.

After the matches with the Vinotinto and Ecuador, the Albiceleste will face Venezuela (again) and Puerto Rico in friendlies in the United States in October. Then, the Finalissima against Spain is expected in March 2026 and the final preparation matches for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.