Scaloni: “Messi is a phenomenon”

06.10.26 19:00 Friendly International

Argentina

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Benin

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Lionel Messi is set to play his final match with Argentina. Just hours before the encounter against Benin at the Monumental Stadium, Lionel Scaloni paid a heartfelt tribute to his captain, whom he considers a unique player and role model. According to ESPN, the Argentina coach notably emphasized the legacy left by the 39-year-old.

“The feeling of having him on the pitch is unique”

Since his international debut in 2005, Messi has become the most-capped player and leading scorer in the history of the Albiceleste. His honours with the national team notably include the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and, above all, the World Cup won in Qatar. For Scaloni, Messi’s departure will leave a void that will be difficult to fill.

Messi leaves behind something unmatched. We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique. I have never seen anyone convey what he conveys on a football pitch.

Scaloni did not limit his comments to Messi’s performances on the pitch. The Argentina coach also highlighted his professionalism and his conduct on a daily basis:

He is a phenomenon simply because of the way he plays, but he also possesses qualities that his teammates see. He is an absolute example.

The coach also spoke about the nostalgia that will accompany this final appearance in the Argentina shirt. The match against Benin, scheduled for this Tuesday, October 6 at the Monumental, will officially be Messi’s final international match.

A new era for Argentina

After more than 20 years with the Albiceleste, Messi will therefore make way for a new generation. Argentina have already won their first two matches since the World Cup, against Bolivia (4-0) and then Burkina Faso (7-0), but Scaloni knows that his team will now have to learn to play without its captain.

Against Benin, Argentina will therefore not simply play a friendly: it will accompany one of the greatest players in its history for his final appearance in the national shirt.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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