Lionel Scaloni reflects on Messi farewell as Argentina set for Benin send-off | OneFootball

World Cup and Copa America-winning coach Lionel Scaloni says Argentina will not be the same once Messi bows out, as the captain readies his farewell.

The coach spoke after a 7-0 friendly win over Burkina Faso at El Monumental, with Messi’s last outing scheduled for Tuesday against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. As reported by La Nacion, he accepted a lasting shift awaits without his eight-time Ballon d’Or talisman.

He said the feeling Messi generates on the pitch is unmatched, touching opponents, team-mates and fans alike. Argentina will keep playing, but he believes the experience will inevitably change.

Scaloni underlined a legacy built on work, not just highlights. Messi is, in his view, the example to follow, the first to arrive, the last to leave, always committed even when his presence is not essential. He added the captain has one more game, leaving something incomparable.

Tuesday at the Monumental is framed as a tribute to the Qatar 2022 winners. Demand for tickets has been extraordinary, with Scaloni saying even five Monumentals would have sold out and his inbox overwhelmed.

Addressing his own future, he said nobody is forcing him to carry on. He cited Carlos Bilardo and a conversation with Alejandro Sabella’s wife as reminders to keep balance. He wants to live his life so the job does not consume him.

Source: Goal.com

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