Scaloni Confirms Messi’s Final Argentina Match After Benin Win
Lionel Messi has played his final match for Argentina, with Lionel Scaloni confirming the farewell after a 3-0 win over Benin that was overwhelmed by emotion inside the squad.
Scaloni confirms Messi’s Argentina departure
The result mattered less than the occasion as Argentina said goodbye to the player who led them through their most successful modern era. Scaloni, visibly moved during the national anthem, said the captain’s departure left him grateful but saddened.
The Argentina coach said he briefly embraced Messi after full time rather than pressing him for a conversation, recognising the scale of the night for the forward.
Scaloni described managing Messi as an achievement he had never expected in his own career. Under his leadership, Argentina won the World Cup and Copa America, while Messi became the central figure in the team’s return to the top of international football.
“It was an emotional and sad day because he will not wear this shirt again,” Scaloni said. “I have eternal gratitude for everything he gave us and for the way he defended Argentina. Coaching him was a dream I was able to live.”
Nerves disrupted Argentina’s opening half
Argentina’s players struggled to settle early against Benin, with the desire to give Messi a perfect send-off affecting their decision-making. Scaloni said the side was nervous and lacked clarity in the first half as teammates attempted to create the right moment for their departing leader.
- The match began under the weight of Messi’s farewell, with Argentina unable to produce their usual calm in possession.
- Scaloni said players hesitated over their choices in the opening period as they tried to make the night special for Messi.
- Argentina eventually took control and completed a 3-0 victory over Benin.
- After the final whistle, Scaloni offered Messi his congratulations amid an emotional farewell.
The coach’s reaction reflected the connection built across the World Cup and Copa America triumphs. Scaloni had tears in his eyes before kick-off, while the players were similarly affected by the prospect of losing their long-standing reference point.
A tactical rebuild starts without Messi
Scaloni accepted that no individual can reproduce what Messi has brought to Argentina, both in footballing terms and through his influence around the group. Even at 39, Messi remained central to the side’s identity and its belief in decisive moments.
Argentina can still construct a strong side, Scaloni said, but he believes Messi’s presence is unique. The coach pointed to an “aura” around the Rosario-born forward that he has not encountered elsewhere in the game.
The next phase will require a more collective solution. Scaloni said newer players have already introduced different options, including the possibility of using wider attackers, and that the staff are encouraged by the early combinations developing in training and matches.
- Messi’s final Argentina appearance ended in a 3-0 win against Benin.
- Scaloni said the emotion of the occasion contributed to a poor first half.
- Argentina’s coach believes Messi cannot be directly replaced.
- Newer squad members offer tactical alternatives, particularly through wing play.
- The staff will now focus on cohesion and new attacking concepts without Messi.
