Argentina coach says Messi deserves to go out on own terms

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has stated that next month's friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires will provide Lionel Messi with the opportunity to bid farewell in the manner he desires. Scaloni, who guided Argentina to a third World Cup title in 2022, expressed his hopes for Messi to have a memorable final appearance in front of his home fans.

The coach emphasized that he fulfilled his part by ensuring Messi's participation in the match, given his uncertain future. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, decided to retire from international football at the end of August, but Scaloni included him in the squad for this farewell game. The coach also suggested that Messi is deserving of another Ballon d'Or, stating that the award should go to the best player.

Argentina will participate in three friendlies - against Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30, Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3, and Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium, which can hold 85,000 spectators. Scaloni declined to address his own future as Argentina's coach, noting that he has not discussed the matter with the Argentine Football Association president, Claudio Tapia.