Scaloni on Messi’s announcement: 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 the World Cup Qualifiers with the Argentine National Team.

“It's a part of our nature. We always seek melancholy, even while enjoying. The same 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 won't be here or 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 Argentinians, that I think it's important to enjoy him now, and not think about what will happen in the future. This is what we try to do as a coaching staff, the teammates try to enjoy him and not overwhelm him too much,” he added.

He also acknowledged that “it must not 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 has earned the right to decide when to do it and, from our side, he will 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 a hero for Rosario Central in the classic match against Newell’s last weekend. “I saw it, I saw it. He scored the goal against Newell’s… Mixed feelings, haha. I'm very happy for him. Just against Newell’s…,” he joked, due to his past with the Leproso. And he added: “He said it, 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, having returned and being able to score the goal, for him and his people it was emotional. From the perspective of how much we love him, it seemed like an enormous joy. He scored it against Newell’s… but I'm happy for him because he is a spectacular guy.”

Lionel Messi, who has been with the Argentine National Team for 20 years, confirmed that the upcoming double date 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 friendlies afterward. That's why my family will accompany me: my wife, my children, my siblings, my parents, and my wife's entire family. We will experience it in that special way. I don't know what will happen, but we go with that intention,” he stated.

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 last 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.