Updated:07/11/2021 09:35h
Keep
The Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, revealed this Saturday, after proclaiming himself champion of the 2021 America’s Cup before the hostess Brazil, that the star Lionel Messi He played the final physically impaired by “a hamstring problem.”
“With Leo, nothing is going to change having won, he continues to be and will continue to be the best footballer in history,” said the coach at the press conference after the 1-0 victory over Brazil, at the legendary Maracanã stadium from Rio de Janeiro. “How many times did he try not to continue because of all the frustrations, because of everything that had happened to him, and he did not throw in the towel and in the end he succeeded. And that is something that must be noted, “he completed.
Scaloni confessed that Messi played the semifinal against Colombia and the final against Brazil “with physical difficulties”, which in statements to ESPN Brazil minutes before limited to a “hamstring problem.” “If all Argentines knew the way he played this Copa América, they would love him even more, I have no doubts,” he said.
“And I, as a coach, at no time can I do without a player of these characteristics, there is no possibility, even playing in inferior conditions as he has played this game and the previous one,” he added. And he completed: “We have to admire him because at some point in his career he will no longer be playing active football and there we will regret it.”
Likewise, Scaloni revealed that with Messi he has a different relationship than that of a player-coach. “I am quite close to him and I am eternally grateful to him and his companions,” he said when asked about the meaningful hug that was given after the final whistle.
On Neymar, whom he comforted on the same Maracana grass, told ESPN Brazil that it is “almost impossible” to stop him and that for him “he is the second best player in the world after” Messi. “He played a good game” and “all” the plays “of danger” of the Brazilian team “came out of his foot,” he said.
Argentina won this Saturday 1-0 against Brazil with a goal from Angel Di Maria in the 22nd minute, in the final of the Copa América in 2021 that was played at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. “I feel enormous joy and pride for these 28 warriors who came to play this Copa América, who have left many things to play in difficult conditions because they had to be in a bubble, locked up …”, said Scaloni.
The victory against Canarinha ended a drought of 28 years without titles for the Albiceleste and was also the first trophy with the senior team for Messi.
See them
comments
.
