Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi ahead of the World Cup final against Spain.
Scaloni believes the Inter Miami superstar is “pure history” and will always be remembered in Argentina and around the world.
Messi is playing in what is touted as his final World Cup for Argentina. The iconic number 10 made his first appearance in the competition in Germany in 2006, and it all could come to an end on Sunday when he faces Spain.
Messi has become a symbol for football not just for Argentina but for the world as a whole.
He has won everything in football during his time in La Liga with Barcelona, before joining Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami.
His illustrious career at club level did not automatically translate into success at international level.
Messi had to wait for his moment with Argentina after several years of heartbreak and losses.
He finally won the Copa America with the Albiceleste in 2021 before hoisting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a trophy that had eluded him for many years.
Messi and the Argentines retained the Copa America trophy in 2024 and are on the verge of defending their world title if they beat Spain on Sunday.
Scaloni was asked if this would truly be Messi’s last game with the national team. The 48-year-old said only Messi can answer the question and went ahead to eulogize the former Barcelona superstar.
“He is pure history,” said Scaloni in his press conference ahead of Spain vs Argentina.
“A legend. Reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable.
We must enjoy him while it happens. With Diego, we miss him. But Messi is still with us.[Maradona]
He is history, he is a legend, and together with this group of people who have brought us these wonderful years, we’ll always remember him.”
Argentina will be facing a stern test against the meanest team in the tournament. Spain have let in only one goal since the beginning of their campaign and it came against Belgium.
The Argentine coach is wary of La Roja and termed them as “a great team.”
“If Spain leaves the hotel, I am already concerned,” said Scaloni. “Once they are on the bus and they leave the hotel, I am concerned. They are a great team. Everything concerns me about Spain.”https://orange1079fm.com/world-cup-2026-argentina-into-quarter-finals-as-messi-inspires-an-epic-comeback/
