Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed he pushed to secure Lionel Messi’s farewell match with the national team now because he was unsure whether he would still be in charge when another opportunity came around.
Messi, 39, announced his international retirement in August, shortly after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
He was subsequently included in Argentina’s squad for a three-match friendly schedule, with his final appearance set for Oct. 6 against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
Scaloni said Thursday that he wanted to make sure he would be there for the occasion, while also giving Messi the chance to say goodbye to the supporters who followed him throughout his international career.
“I did my part because I wanted to be at his farewell,” Scaloni told reporters. “Since I don't know if I would be here later, we pushed hard so that he could be in this match.”
Scaloni said Messi understood the significance of the occasion despite everything he had been dealing with following the end of the World Cup.
“He put in the desire and effort to want to come and be able to say goodbye with his people, with the people who love him so much,” Scaloni said.
“If we have to pay tribute, we have to do it at this moment. With him, it will never stop, but later, the magic might not be the same.”
The comments came as uncertainty also surrounds Scaloni’s own future with Argentina. His contract expires in December, but the coach has opened the door to extending his tenure after previously giving indications that he could step away following the World Cup.
Scaloni said he expects to meet Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia in the coming days to discuss the possibility of remaining in charge.
“It is a dream come true, but that doesn't mean I have to cling to the job forever,” Scaloni said. “There are certain conditions we need to discuss with the president and we'll see if we can reach an agreement.”
Asked whether those conditions involved financial or sporting considerations, Scaloni replied, “A bit of everything.”
The 48-year-old has overseen the most successful stretch in Argentina’s recent history, guiding the team to the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. His future has also become a topic of discussion among Argentina players, with several publicly expressing a desire for him to remain in charge.
While Scaloni’s future is unresolved, the next international window will mark the beginning of a new phase for Argentina.
The team will face Bolivia on Sept. 30 in Córdoba before playing Burkina Faso on Oct. 3 and Benin on Oct. 6 at the Monumental. Messi is expected to feature in the final match, which has been designated as his farewell appearance.
For Scaloni, the occasion carries a personal significance beyond the end of Messi’s international career.
“For me, getting to coach him was the ultimate experience. It was a dream,” Scaloni said. “I told him so, and I'll say it for the rest of my life. There will never be anyone like him.”
Scaloni said Messi’s influence extends beyond his performances on the field.
“It’s very rare for a player like that to come along, not just because of what he does on the pitch, but because of everything he conveys off it,” he said. “Let's enjoy this.”
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s record scorer, with 125 goals, and after winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He also became the first player to score in six World Cups, while the 2026 tournament was his sixth appearance at the competition.
The forward is also a nominee for the Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony scheduled for Oct. 26.
Scaloni made clear that he believes Messi’s performances at the World Cup should put him firmly in contention.
“After the World Cup he just played, there isn't much more to add,” Scaloni said. “If the award is for the best player, there's no doubt. It's already spoken for; the statistics prove it.”
The coach has also begun reshaping the squad around the next generation following the international retirements of Messi, Nicolás Otamendi and other veterans.
Several younger players have been called up, including defenders Tomás Palacios, Román Vega and Valentín Gómez; midfielders Tobías Andrada, Ezequiel Fernandez and Santiago Simón; and winger Leonel Flores.
“These matches are an opportunity for the young players to make their mark,” Scaloni said. “If these youngsters are here, it's because they deserve it. I hope they make the most of it.”
