What Will Happen To Argentina As Messi Retires – Scaloni

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted that the national team will face a new chapter following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.

Messi ended his Argentina career with an impressive performance, scoring once and providing two assists as the Albiceleste defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in the early hours of Wednesday.

Scaloni was also asked about his own future, with his contract entering its final months. The coach said: “If all goes to plan, I will continue as Argentina manager.”

Reflecting on his time working with Messi, Scaloni said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to manage Leo Messi.”

He admitted that replacing Messi’s influence will be extremely difficult, saying: “We will now build with new talents, new young players, we will look at new ways… but I have never seen such aura like Lionel Messi has.”

Scaloni added that Argentina must now begin preparing for life without their captain as a new generation takes responsibility.

“We will start a new chapter, but what Leo transmits, that’s impossible to replace,” the coach said.

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Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, having played a key role in the country’s recent successes, including their 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup triumphs.