Emotional Scaloni Calls for Special Recognition of Messi in Buenos Aires Qualifier

4 September-Kolkata, India: Argentina national team football team coach Lionel Scaloni is very emotional and sad that the Argentine legend Lionel Messi didn’t get the special recognition in their upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Venezuela on their home soil in Buenos Aires. The 47-year-old head coach who led the national team to win their third World Cup and their 16th consecutive Copa America title hopes that this match wouldn’t be the 38-year-old last and final appearance on his home soil.

The 38-year-old Argentine legend currently plays for the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami and fans recognize him for his 17-year contribution to his home club and Spanish football giants FC Barcelona. The World Cup-winning skipper has recently hinted at his retirement after the FIFA World Cup 2026, which three nations—USA, Mexico, and Canada—co-host.

Lionel Scaloni on Messi

An emotional Lionel Scaloni spoke in the pre-match press conference against Venezuela where he said “Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it’s true that it’s our last qualifying match. We have to enjoy it as we’ve always been saying. More than anyone I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure and let’s hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it.”

He further added “Tomorrow will be a nice match. Exciting. I’m sure that it won’t be his last game in Argentina and I say that we’ll make sure that if he decides it’s the last game, we play another because it’s obvious to do that in the right moment and because he deserves it.”

More about Argentina’s World Cup Qualifications

The defending champions already qualified for the World Cup Qualifiers after thrashing their archrivals Brazil by 4-1 in March and will face Ecuador in the away match for the final CONMEBOL (South America) leg of the qualifiers.

It is unlikely for the Argentine World Cup-winning skipper to continue to play for his national side at the age of 40 till the FIFA World Cup 2030 due to some fitness and fatigue problems, but it will be interesting to see if he continues to play.

After Argentina defeated then-defending champions France on penalties to win the World Cup for the third time, Messi had realised his lifelong dream of hoisting the trophy in Qatar three years prior, following in the footsteps of the late Diego Maradona.

On Thursday, the defending champions will face Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in the nation’s capital Buenos Aires. However, it will be interesting to see whether it will the last game for the 38-year Lionel Messi in a blue and white jersey.