Scaloni to build ‘new talents’ as Messi era ends in Argentina
Lionel Scaloni, the coach of Argentina has disclosed that the men’s senior national team will now build its future around new talents and young players following the retirement of legendary playmaker, Lionel Messi.
The coach who was speaking to newsmen after Messi played his last game for Argentina in an international friendly match against Benin Republic said that he will find a way to start a new chapter with the national team without their charismatic captain.
Scaloni added that he has never seen such aura like Lionel Messi has and also admitted that what he (Messi) transmits will be impossible to replace, moving forward.
He said; “We will now build with new talents, new young players, we will look at new ways… but I have never seen such aura like Lionel Messi has.
“We will start a new chapter, but what Leo transmits, that’s impossible to replace.” Scaloni noted.
While addressing fans after the game, Messi said that he would have loved to be with Argentina forever, until the end of his life but it’s time to retire from national team duties.
“I always said: to win titles, you need a STRONG group. There are difficult moments and that’s when we need to push even more.
“There are people who want Argentina to go BAD and we need to fight for our colours.
“I’m going to miss playing here so much. I love you all, and I’m proud to be Argentine.
“I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything.
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“I’m going to miss all of you so much, but I’ll always be on your side. I’ll be supporting these boys and everyone who comes after them.
“Every time we stepped onto the pitch, I knew we could compete against ANYONE.
“I felt I had WARRIORS beside me who were willing to leave absolutely everything out there.
“We won the World Cup, the Copa América, the Finalissima… I’m incredibly grateful for everything.
“But this journey wasn’t only about 2022 or this last World Cup. So many teammates fought alongside me for this shirt long before we finally became world champions. Never doubt how much every one of them fought and gave for Argentina.
“I’d have loved to be here with Argentina forever, until the end of my life… but it’s time to retire.
“After the last World Cup, it’s time to say goodbye. Thanks because representing Argentina is the best thing ever.” Messi said.
In his last international soccer game for the national team, Messi delivered an assist and scored a goal as Argentina beat Benin Republic by 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Beunos Aires.
Messi who had an amazing 21-year career with Argentina scored 126 goals and provided 67 assist in 208 games for the Albiceleste.
