Lionel Scaloni pushed hard for Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell | OneFootball

Lionel Scaloni says he pushed hard to secure Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell, with Messi set for a final appearance in a 6 October friendly against Benin. According to L'Équipe, the national coach wanted the send-off arranged soon after Messi announced his international retirement.

Messi confirmed his retirement at the end of August, less than a month and a half after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final. He was then called up weeks later for a home farewell at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Scaloni told reporters he had urged the plan forward because he could not be sure he would be in charge to organise it later. He said Messi, despite everything he was going through, showed the desire and effort to come and say goodbye to supporters. He said he wanted to be present for Messi’s departure.

Out of contract in December after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles, Scaloni said any tribute should happen now. He added that with Messi the admiration will never end, but later the magic might not feel the same.

He made the comments on Thursday.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”