Lionel Scaloni Praises Lionel Messi as Argentina Defeats Benin
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said in a press conference that “He is an inimitable footballer and I think there will be nothing like him on the pitch” after him, following the 3-0 victory of the Albiceleste against Benin on Tuesday evening, October 7, 2026.
Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Lionel Messi following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match served as a tribute jubilee for the legendary left-footer, drawing a crowd of over 80,000 spectators to mark the final international appearance of his two-decade career with the Albiceleste. For his international farewell, Messi delivered a vintage performance, contributing one goal and two assists. Scaloni also praised him as the best in history, noting that he is a world champion with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in 2022. Scaloni added: I had never seen that in anyone in my whole life. What he radiates, I haven’t seen in anyone else. We will look for tools, other things, but this feeling will no longer be there.
An Emotional Farewell at the Estadio Monumental
Reflecting on Messi’s impact before the fixture, Scaloni admitted that he felt a deep sense of sadness knowing a unique player was stepping away from the national team. The manager shed tears, particularly during the national anthem, acknowledging the monumental legacy left behind by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Scaloni further stated: Eternal gratitude for everything he has given us, for defending this jersey like no one else.
The Argentine coach expressed profound disbelief at having managed the player he considers the greatest in history. “For me, it’s a dream to have coached him. I told him in front of everyone, with the little energy I had to say it: never in my life would I have imagined that I was going to become the coach of the best footballer in history,” Scaloni added.
Moving Forward Without the Albiceleste Captain
“We now have to continue without him. It will be difficult. He himself said that what we have lived through in recent years was not normal. Scaloni stated regarding their capacity to face this change: We are capable of dealing with it.
Concluding on how to fill the void left by the captain, the manager stated: The only way to compensate (his departure) is with a great team where everyone brings their piece to the building.
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