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Sunday, 4 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Football
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated the national team will permanently change following captain Lionel Messi’s last appearance in the blue and white stripes.
The Argentine national side is set to undergo a permanent transformation once its captain departs, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. This assessment follows a decisive 7-0 friendly win over Burkina Faso at El Monumental, which served as a prelude to Messi’s scheduled final home game against Benin on Tuesday.
Scaloni reflected on the void left by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, noting that his influence extends beyond tactical play. Speaking to La Nacion, the coach emphasized that the sensation of having Messi on the field is unparalleled for players, opponents, and fans alike. "Only nostalgia remains now that he won’t be there," Scaloni said. He added that while the team continues to exist, it logically will not be the same without him.
The manager highlighted that Messi transmits something distinct to everyone involved in the match, from teammates to rival supporters. Scaloni stated he has not witnessed this effect in any other player, identifying it as the primary element the squad will miss most upon his retirement from international duty.
Beyond public highlights, Scaloni pointed to Messi’s private discipline as his lasting legacy for future generations. The captain consistently attends training sessions even when qualification is secured or his presence is not strictly required. Describing him as an incomparable example, Scaloni noted Messi is always the first to arrive and the last to leave, maintaining rigorous self-care and focus before every game.
"You can see he is a phenomenon just by how he plays, but he has things behind him that his teammates see," Scaloni observed. He affirmed that these unseen habits make Messi the best possible model for young Argentine footballers, marking the end of an era defined by relentless commitment.
Anticipation for Tuesday’s tribute match has surged, with Scaloni describing the ticket request volume as unprecedented. The Estadio Monumental will host the farewell for Messi and the core group that triumphed at Qatar 2022. The coach revealed receiving messages from all locations, struggling to communicate the difficulty of securing entry.
"If there were five Monumental stadiums, they would have been full," Scaloni admitted. He expressed gratitude for participating in what he described as an unforgettable day for everyone, including Leo himself. From the moment Messi steps onto the pitch, the event will honor the teammates who provided him with significant footballing joy.
Addressing speculation about his own tenure, Scaloni insisted he remains driven by the energy of the position rather than external pressure. He referenced predecessors Alejandro Sabella and Carlos Bilardo to illustrate the weight of managing Argentina. The coach stressed the necessity of maintaining a balanced life to prevent being consumed by the demands of the job.
"Nobody is putting a gun to my head to continue," Scaloni stated. His comments underscored a pragmatic approach to leadership, focusing on sustainable motivation amidst the intense scrutiny surrounding the national team’s transition period.
