Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Sunday that the nation’s football fanatics should focus more on enjoying Lionel Messi as much as possible while they still can and instead of worrying about whether the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will retire from international soccer after this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
“We have to enjoy him now, not think about the future and what is going to happen,” Scaloni told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier away to Ecuador.
“Sometimes, because that’s life, one gets old and I think that’s normal. But why not think about the spectacular here and now? Why not enjoy him now? It’s useless thinking about what is going to happen after the World Cup.”
Scaloni’s comments are in response to Messi’s quizzical comment after last week’s game against Venezuela that he would “rethink a lot of things” when the tournament in Qatar was done and dusted, with some quarters interpreting that as a sign he might retire from international duty much sooner than was expected.
Messi, 34, led a lap of honor after Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, a match that could very well be his last international appearance on Argentine soil. Interestingly, Scaloni himself – who has led his side to a 30-game unbeaten streak – would not confirm Messi’s presence in the team to play Ecuador on Tuesday as both teams have already qualified for the finals and the coach promised to give some fringe players a run out.
“We think this is the right time to make some modifications,” he said.
It was Scaloni who had taken them to the Copa America last year after the nation had not won an international title in 28 years and they will be aiming for a third World Cup title in Qatar.