Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi’s shirt would still be available if he wanted to play in the next World Cup, following the 35-year-old lifted the World Cup with his contribution to the 4-2 win over France on penalties.
Messi scored twice in the final during a thrilling 3-3 draw following 120 minutes at Lusail Stadium.
for the next world cup
“I think we should keep the number 10 shirt to be ready for the next World Cup if Messi feels like playing,” Scaloni said in a press conference.
He added, “He deserved to do whatever he wanted with this career. What he conveyed to his colleagues is amazing. I have never seen someone with this much influence in the dressing room.”
Coach tears
Scaloni appeared moved on two occasions while speaking to reporters at the press conference at Lusail Stadium. And the first time when he was asked regarding the late Diego Maradona, and regarding the feelings of the legend now, he replied: “To be honest, I only realized now that Maradona is no longer with us, and this makes me think that he would be happy and proud of us from his place. If he were here, He would have been the first fan to enter the field to celebrate with us. I hope he enjoys it.”
“We celebrate with our people”
Scaloni’s tears fell once more when he remembered his family and friends, thanked them for their support all the time, and confirmed that he hoped to board the plane quickly to celebrate with the Argentine people.
While Messi said in a previous interview that he would like to continue playing with the national team and does not plan to retire internationally in the near future, a decision welcomed by the coach.
