Scaloni says he did his best to convince Messi to return for Argentina farewell

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his efforts to convince Lionel Messi to return for a farewell match following the football legend's retirement announcement. Messi bid farewell to international football in August, just a month after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. Despite his retirement, Messi was called up by Scaloni weeks later to play in a home friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium on October 6.

Scaloni emphasized the importance of Messi's participation, stating that a player of his caliber deserves such a farewell and that he did his part to ensure Messi's presence at the match. Recognizing Messi's desire to say goodbye to his supporters, Scaloni highlighted the player's effort to attend the match. The coach, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa America triumphs, acknowledged that Messi's continued impact will persist but may not be the same in the future.

Scaloni, whose contract ends in December, revealed that he would meet with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia in the coming days to discuss his future. The 48-year-old coach emphasized that while this appointment is a dream come true, it doesn't mean he has to remain in the position indefinitely. He indicated that they will discuss certain conditions in order to reach an agreement.