Lionel Scaloni believes that fans of Argentina could fill the Estadio Monumental five times over for Lionel Messi’s farewell match, which he anticipates will be a highly emotional event.
The World Cup runners-up dominated Burkina Faso with a 7-0 victory on Saturday, adding to their 4-0 win against Bolivia, maintaining their flawless record during this international break.
Argentina’s upcoming game is the most awaited one, as Messi makes his final appearance, facing Benin on Tuesday.
After announcing his retirement from international football following July’s extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi will conclude his Argentina career with 208 senior caps—the highest in the national team’s history.
He also boasts the highest goal tally for Argentina, with 125, and holds the record for the most goal involvements at the World Cup, totaling 33 (21 goals and 12 assists).
At 39, he is the only player to have started in three World Cup finals, leading Argentina to victory in Qatar four years ago. Scaloni expects Messi to receive a reception that reflects his incredible legacy.
“I envision Tuesday’s match being profoundly emotional for everyone, including Leo. It will be a day to remember,” Scaloni commented.
“It will celebrate his achievements as well as those of his teammates, who have brought him immense joy in football. I feel fortunate to witness it and will be an observer.”
“If there were five Estadio Monumentals, they’d all be filled. I want fans to appreciate the energy he brings to the field, impacting teammates and opponents alike. That’s what we will miss the most.”
Simply 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 pic.twitter.com/ARw8IUchdg
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 4, 2026
As Argentina moves into the post-Messi era, many young players like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono have shown promise in recent matches, suggesting a bright future.
Scaloni is likely to extend his contract to guide the team through the 2028 Copa America and possibly the 2030 World Cup, and midfielder Enzo Fernandez emphasizes the importance of Scaloni’s continued leadership.
“It would mean a lot for us if he stays on; he created this setup. We need to keep competing at the highest level,” Fernandez stated.
“Now we must navigate the transition following Leo’s departure and maintain the momentum we’ve built.”
When asked about sustaining his passion after eight years in the role, Scaloni replied: “I always try to embrace it. I understand what this role entails, but I think it’s possible to enjoy life and not confine yourself solely to a desk in football.”
Fan Take: This farewell match signifies the end of an era for not only Argentina but for the entire world of soccer, as Messi is a once-in-a-generation talent. His departure could reshape the landscape of international football, making every remaining game with him a must-watch for fans around the globe.
Source: www.soccernews.com
