Dhaka: Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, urging fans to cherish what will likely be the Argentina captain’s last appearance on football’s biggest stage. Argentina will bid to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup trophies since Brazil in 1962 when it meets Spain in the title decider in New Jersey.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Scaloni expressed profound admiration for Messi during a press conference on Friday. “He is pure history. He is a legend,” Scaloni remarked. “For him to reach a final at 39 years of age is something unbelievable. That’s why I say we must enjoy him.” Messi’s achievement is particularly poignant given the absence of Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to the title in 1986 and passed away in 2020.
“Sadly, Maradona is no longer with us, so we have to enjoy him. He is a legend, along with this group of players,” Scaloni added. Reflecting on Argentina’s recent successes, including two Copa America wins, Scaloni emphasized the magnitude of the team’s accomplishments. “This group has achieved something that is unbelievable. I’m deeply thankful, I will be thankful forever.”
When asked if the final could be Messi’s last match for Argentina, Scaloni avoided speculation. “Ask him. I didn’t have any idea. He doesn’t stop surprising us,” he commented. Scaloni emphasized that Argentina prepared for the final as they had for every other match, despite relying on late goals in previous knockout rounds.
“The team has shown very positive things, especially in the second half against England,” Scaloni noted. “I think we’re fit, regardless of some aspects. The team is feeling well. We’re facing a very tough opponent, and people know how we play.”
Scaloni also highlighted the emotional connection between the team and Argentina’s fans, noting the unity it fostered among supporters of rival domestic clubs. “We’ve recovered something that is extremely valuable, that people are watching the national team: A Boca fan hugging a River fan, Newell’s fans hugging [Rosario] Central fans.”
Regarding Spain and his coaching counterpart Luis de la Fuente, Scaloni mentioned their friendship but noted they hadn’t discussed tactics. “He knows me from a personal point of view, we’re friends. But he doesn’t know what I think about when it comes to football,” Scaloni said. He expressed hope that the final would provide an entertaining spectacle for fans.