Scaloni also expressed satisfaction with the 39-year-old winger’s decision to participate in the farewell match.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that he personally convinced Lionel Messi to return to the national team for a farewell match following his retirement from international football.
Speaking to journalists at the national team’s training base in Ezeiza, Argentina, Scaloni explained the effort required to arrange the send-off for the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward.
Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina suffered defeat to Spain.
However, Scaloni played an instrumental role in persuading Messi to return for one final appearance—with crucial backing from Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
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Scaloni insisted that a player of such legendary stature deserved a proper occasion for supporters to pay tribute to him.
He said: “I think a player like him deserves this. Personally, I did my part—we pushed hard for him to be able to play in this match.
“We knew everything he was going through, but even so, he wanted to come and say goodbye to his people. I think if we’re going to pay tribute to him, it has to be now.
“I spoke with him and endeavoured to convince him that the present moment was optimal, as one cannot predict future developments. The AFA and its president also fulfilled their responsibilities. This represents something truly meaningful, and he is deserving of it.”
