Lionel Scaloni: Hope Messi isn’t playing last Argentina home game

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that Messi won’t be playing his last home game when they take on Venezueal at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday. 

Messi has not yet decided when he is going to retire from International football.

Earlier, Messi had said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be his last major event with the La Albiceleste however he wanted to continue playing as a part of the champion team. Now, Messi is looking to retire after the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Scaloni says Argentina’s number 10 deserves a special reception on Thursday.

“Yes, this is a match which Leo has said will be emotional, special, nice because it’s true that it’s our last qualifying match,” Scaloni, who wiped away tears during his appearance before the media, said. “We have to enjoy it as we’ve always been saying.

“More than anyone I will enjoy it. Having been able to coach him has honestly been a pleasure and let’s hope that fans who go to the stadium will also enjoy it because he truly deserves it.

“Tomorrow will be a nice match. Exciting. I’m sure that it won’t be his last game in Argentina and I say that we’ll make sure that if he decides it’s the last game, we play another because it’s obvious to do that in the right moment and because he deserves it.”

Scaloni showered praise on Venezuela and said they are going to be a difficult opponent.

“It’s an uncomfortable, difficult opponent who, with Bocha [Batista], have achieved some very good results and are on the verge of playing, or have the possibility of playing, in a World Cup,” Scaloni said. “And that could be something historic for them. So, we appreciate that.

“We’ve shared moments with him, and they will be a tough opponent, where a lot is at stake in tomorrow’s match. And that makes the game exciting to watch and, as always, we will try to win by playing our way.”

Last week, Messi had said the World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela is going to be very special for him.