Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted that the national team will not be the same without Lionel Messi as the legendary forward prepares for an emotional farewell.
Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, following his decision to retire from international football.
Scaloni revealed that he pushed for Messi to return for one final match because he was unsure whether he would still be Argentina coach in the future. His contract is due to expire in December, adding another layer of uncertainty around the team's next chapter.
The coach said Messi deserved the opportunity to say goodbye to Argentina supporters after an international career that brought the country the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Scaloni explained that he wanted the farewell to happen while he was still in charge and while Messi could share the moment with the supporters who have followed his career for more than two decades.
The Argentina coach also acknowledged that Messi's departure will leave a major void. He suggested that while the team can continue to compete at the highest level, the atmosphere and sense of occasion surrounding Messi cannot simply be recreated.
“Later, the magic might not be the same,” Scaloni said, reflecting on the importance of giving Messi a farewell at this moment.
Messi's international career has included two retirements. He first stepped away from Argentina duty in 2016 before returning and eventually leading the team to Copa America glory and the 2022 World Cup title. He later announced his retirement again after Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign.
Despite Messi's departure, Scaloni is already looking toward the next generation. The coach has stressed the importance of maintaining Argentina's competitiveness while allowing younger players to take on greater responsibilities.
Scaloni's own future remains unresolved, with the 48-year-old expected to meet Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia to discuss a possible continuation beyond December. He said remaining in the role is a dream but acknowledged that the decision will depend on the conditions agreed with the federation.
For now, however, Argentina's attention is firmly on Messi's farewell. The October 6 meeting with Benin is expected to provide an emotional closing chapter to one of the greatest international careers in football history.