‘Five Monumental stadiums would have been packed’: Scaloni reflects on Messi’s emotional farewell
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expects an unforgettable atmosphere at the Monumental Stadium as Lionel Messi prepares for his final official appearance for the national team, saying the demand to witness the legendary forward’s farewell would have filled five stadiums.
“If there had been five Monumental stadiums, they would have been packed. I received messages from everywhere,” Scaloni said with a laugh after his side’s 7-0 win over Burkina Faso, reflecting on the extraordinary excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s farewell.
The Argentine legend is set to play his final official match for the national team against Benin on Wednesday at 2am Bangladesh time, with supporters preparing to celebrate a player who has played a defining role in the country’s football history.
For Scaloni, the occasion will be filled with pride, gratitude and nostalgia as Argentina prepare to bid farewell to a player whose influence extends far beyond his achievements on the pitch.
“I think everything has been said; all that’s left is to enjoy it. There’s the nostalgia we always talk about when he’s gone, and now he won’t be here,” he said.
Scaloni expects the emotion to be shared by everyone inside the Monumental, including Messi himself, as the forward prepares for a final appearance that will mark the end of a remarkable chapter in Argentine football.
“I imagine everyone is emotional, including him. From the moment he steps onto the Monumental pitch, it will be an unforgettable day for everyone. I’m grateful to be part of his day,” he added.
With two training sessions remaining alongside Messi, Scaloni said he wanted the team to savour every moment they had left with their captain.
“We still have two training sessions with him, and we’ll enjoy the little time we have left,” he added.
An irreplaceable legacy
Beyond the farewell celebrations, Scaloni highlighted Messi’s professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment as the qualities that have made him an example for his teammates and future generations.
“His legacy is his unwavering desire to always be there. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave,” Scaloni said.
He added that Messi’s dedication often goes unnoticed by supporters but remains evident to those who train and compete alongside him.
“The way he takes care of himself, the way he approaches every match—these are things that go unseen by others, but his teammates do, and he’s the best example there could be. He leaves behind something irreplaceable,” he said.
While Argentina will continue their journey after Messi’s departure, Scaloni acknowledged that the experience of playing alongside the forward and the influence he brings to the team cannot easily be replicated.
“We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the field is unique. What he transmits on a football pitch is unlike anything I’ve ever seen from anyone else, and that’s what we’re going to miss,” he said.
Nevertheless, the coach stressed that Messi’s farewell would not mark the end of Argentina’s story, even as the team prepares to move into a new era.
“The Argentine National Team will continue to exist,” Scaloni concluded.
‘We achieved our objective’
Scaloni’s comments came after Argentina secured a commanding 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Monumental Stadium in their second friendly match.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The coach praised his players for maintaining their focus despite facing weaker opposition, saying the team had fulfilled its objective while giving younger players valuable minutes on the pitch.
“The first half was good. We approached it quite seriously. In the second half, with the substitutions, giving minutes to the younger players, some of whom were making their debuts, we need to give them time to adapt. Overall, we achieved our objective,” he said.
Although he acknowledged that such one-sided matches could present challenges, Scaloni insisted that his players had a responsibility to respect the supporters, their opponents and the national shirt.
“You always learn from these experiences,” he said, praising the team’s attitude and determination throughout the match.
Looking ahead to November, Scaloni expressed a desire to face stronger opponents but admitted that Argentina had limited options when arranging future fixtures.
“I’d like to face strong opponents, although we don’t have many options. We’re considering the teams that are available,” he said.
The coach also declined to provide an update on his contract renewal, saying there was nothing new to announce.
“There’s no news yet. When there is something, we’ll announce it, whether it’s good or not so good,” he added.
Building Argentina’s attack
Scaloni also discussed his efforts to develop the attacking partnership between Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, saying the coaching staff wanted to give the two forwards more opportunities to play together.
“We’re trying to give Julián and Lautaro, who already know each other, the opportunity to play together because it’s a pretty solid idea. They’re two strikers plus nine, and we like them to understand each other and work together,” he said.
Scaloni believes the partnership could prove effective as the players continue to build their understanding on the pitch.
“That’s why we keep saying it; it could pay off,” he added, while also praising Flaco López for his performances.
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