Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has said that Lionel Messi deserves a special reception when he takes the field for what could possibly be his last competitive game on home soil today.
He, however, expressed hope that the legendary forward would get another chance to bid farewell to the Argentine fans before his retirement.
Messi has not yet announced when he plans to retire, but he confirmed last week that he expects Thursday’s match vs Venezuela in Buenos Aires to be his last time playing at home in a World Cup qualifier.
According to him, coaching Lionel Messi has been a massive honour, and helping him win the World Cup title in 2022 will go down in history as one of the best moments of his career.
He stated that Messi deserves all the honour he can possibly get because he has been a legendary footballer for the national team.
“Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it’s true that it’s our last qualifying match. We have to enjoy it as we’ve always been saying.
More than anyone I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure and let’s hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it,” he said.
Scaloni further noted that even if Messi decides that it’ll be his last World Cup qualifier at home, another match would be organized to honour him properly.
He concluded by saying that he expects a very competitive game against Venezuela despite Argentina already securing World Cup qualification.
“Tomorrow will be a nice match.
Exciting. I’m sure that it won’t be his last game in Argentina and I say that we’ll make sure that if he decides it’s the last game, we play another because it’s obvious to do that in the right moment and because he deserves it,” he added.
