Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, has emphasized the unparalleled significance of Lionel Messi, urging fans to cherish the opportunity to witness the legendary player compete in another World Cup final. With Messi now 39 years old, Scaloni highlighted the enduring impact of his career as Argentina prepares to defend their title against Spain this weekend.
Messi: A Historic and Legendary Figure
Scaloni described Messi as a player who has not only made history but is a true legend in the sport. The veteran forward has been instrumental in Argentina’s recent successes, including their World Cup triumph and consecutive Copa America titles within the last five years. This period marks a remarkable late resurgence in Messi’s international career, especially considering his brief retirement from the national team a decade prior at age 29, following a Copa America final defeat.
Following Argentina’s hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory over England, Scaloni and Messi shared an emotional embrace on the pitch. Messi himself characterized the win as “pure history.” Scaloni, reflecting on this sentiment, expressed immense pride, stating, “He is the best player in the history of football.”
Messi’s World Cup Performance and Legacy
At 39, Messi’s performance in his sixth World Cup has been exceptional. He has netted eight goals in the current tournament, solidifying his position as the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 21 goals. Scaloni marveled at Messi’s ability to reach another final at this stage of his career, calling it “incredible.”
The coach drew a parallel to the legacy of Diego Maradona, suggesting that fans should fully appreciate Messi’s presence while they still have him. “That is why I said we should enjoy having him, because look at what happened with Diego (Maradona) and how we ended up missing him,” Scaloni remarked. “We still have Leo and we should appreciate that. He is the historic figure and the legend, as are all these players who have given us these marvellous years.”
Argentina’s Golden Era and Future Prospects
Argentina’s current era of success is particularly significant, breaking a 28-year drought without major international silverware before their Copa America victory in 2021. Scaloni acknowledged the extraordinary achievements of his team, noting that they have accomplished feats previously considered unthinkable.
Looking ahead to the final at MetLife Stadium, Scaloni acknowledged the difficulty of the journey and the high level of competition sustained over many years. “It was not easy to get here and to compete at this level over so many years,” he stated. While expressing hope for a victory, he emphasized the incredible nature of the team’s path to the final: “We might win and I hope we do but in any case the journey to get this far has been incredible.”
The Road to the Final and Messi’s Future
When questioned about whether this World Cup final would definitively be Messi’s last, Scaloni admitted he could not provide a certain answer. However, he indicated that it seems highly improbable that the iconic player would continue competing in the tournament until 2030.
Argentina faces a formidable challenge against Spain, the reigning European champions. To achieve their goal of becoming the first nation in 64 years to win consecutive World Cups, they must overcome this strong opponent. Scaloni expressed caution regarding Spain’s capabilities, stating, “They are a great team. Everything worries me about them.”
The coach’s sentiments underscore the blend of anticipation and respect surrounding Argentina’s pursuit of another World Cup title, with Lionel Messi at the heart of their aspirations and legacy.
