Scaloni’s Sentiments on Messi’s Homecoming
Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina’s national football team, expressed heartfelt sentiments regarding Lionel Messi’s anticipated homecoming match, which may mark the legendary player’s final appearance on Argentine soil in a competitive setting. Messi, at 38 years of age, has not publicly announced a retirement date, though he indicated last week that the upcoming encounter against Venezuela in Buenos Aires could be his last World Cup qualifying match in front of his home fans.
Emotional Pre-Match Briefing
During his pre-match press briefing, Scaloni, visibly emotional, conveyed his admiration for coaching Messi—a player who has claimed the Ballon d’Or eight times and helped lead Argentina to glory in the 2022 World Cup.
“We need to take full advantage of this moment,”
he remarked, noting that Messi himself mentioned the match would be filled with special memories. Scaloni expressed a desire for Messi to have an additional farewell chance with his supporters before finally retiring from international football, suggesting that if Messi decides this upcoming game is his last, efforts would be made to organize another suitable farewell match in the future.
Future Considerations for Messi
Although Messi could retire from international play following next year’s World Cup, where Argentina will defend its title, the next World Cup qualifiers for 2030 won’t commence until 2027, by which time Messi will be 40.
As Argentina gears up to face Venezuela, they already secured the top position in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, assuring their participation in the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Venezuela’s Challenge
On the other hand, Venezuela faces a challenging situation, vying for a World Cup spot for the first time. Under the leadership of Argentinian coach Fernando Batista, Venezuela currently ranks seventh, just on the cusp of a possible playoff spot. Meanwhile, Colombia and Bolivia are in close contention, with Scaloni acknowledging the high stakes of the upcoming match against a motivated Venezuelan team.
Uncertain Future Matches
As preparations for the World Cup continue, Scaloni noted that several plans are still uncertain, particularly regarding a potential match against Spain for the upcoming Finalissima. He pointed out that that match hinged on Spain’s performance in their qualifying group and the complexities surrounding international scheduling, especially due to the European Nations League challenges. Finding suitable opponents has become increasingly difficult as European teams prioritize their own matches.
This context highlights the significance of the match ahead and the broader ramifications for both teams as they navigate their respective paths toward the World Cup, with Messi’s potential farewell looming as a poignant backdrop.
