Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has shared his emotions following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Messi played his farewell match for Argentina against Benin, helping the Albiceleste secure a 3-0 victory with a goal and two assists.
"It was a very emotional and, at the same time, sad day because he will no longer play in this shirt. We are eternally grateful to him for everything he has given us and for defending this shirt like no one else," Scaloni said.
The Argentina coach admitted that having the opportunity to work with Messi had been a dream come true.
"It was my dream to coach him. I told him that today in front of everyone, gathering all the strength I had. I think any Argentine would say the same. It was a dream come true. I could never have imagined that I would coach the best player in history.
"He was the best throughout his 20-year career and he still is. We are eternally grateful for the opportunity to be with him. It is very sad that I will no longer see him playing for us. He leaves us an incredible legacy," Scaloni was quoted as saying by Ole.
The 48-year-old acknowledged that Argentina face a major challenge in adapting to life without their captain, describing Messi as an irreplaceable player.
"Continuing without him will not be easy, without a doubt. We have young players who will give us a lot, but the feeling of having Messi in your team is incomparable. You have to experience it to understand what it is like to have Messi on your side."
Scaloni also highlighted the unique presence Messi brought to the team, saying it went far beyond his technical ability.
"No matter how much we rebuild the team, we can be great and have new promising players. But what is the word they use now? Aura? I have never seen anything like it from anyone in my life. I played with great players, but what he creates is something I have never seen in anyone else, and we will never see it again."
According to Scaloni, Argentina will now have to compensate for Messi's absence through collective strength.
"The only way to make up for his absence is with a team, a great team where everyone contributes. The player who could change a game with a moment of genius on a bad day will no longer be with us. We have great players, but we don't have that player who can make that breakthrough. However, together we can compensate for his absence, even though he is irreplaceable."
Scaloni concluded by praising Messi's longevity and commitment, describing the forward's performances at the age of 39 as an example for future generations.
"For me, there will never be anyone like him on the pitch. Seeing him at 39, playing at a World Cup with the same passion as before, is the greatest example we can follow."
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the national team's record appearance maker and all-time leading scorer. His greatest international achievement came in 2022, when he captained Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup title.
