Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi’s shirt would still be available if he wanted to play in the next World Cup, after the 35-year-old lifted the World Cup with his contribution to a 4-2 win over France on penalties.
Messi scored twice in the final during a thrilling 3-3 draw after 120 minutes at Lusail Stadium.
for the next world championship
“I think we should keep the number 10 shirt to be ready for the next World Cup if Messi wants to play,” Scaloni said at a news conference.
He added: “He deserved to do what he wanted with this career. What he’s passed on to his colleagues is incredible. I’ve never seen someone with so much influence in the dressing room.”
The coach’s tears
Scaloni appeared moved on two occasions when speaking to journalists at the press conference at the Lusail Stadium. And the first time he was asked about the late Diego Maradona, and the legend’s feelings now, he replied: “To be honest, I only realized now that Maradona is no longer with us, and this makes me think that he he would be happy and proud of us from his place. If he had been here, he would have been the first fan to take the field to celebrate with us. I hope he likes it.”
“Let’s celebrate with our people”
Scaloni’s tears flowed again as he remembered his family and friends, thanked them for their support at all times and confirmed that he hoped to get on the plane quickly to celebrate with the Argentine people.
While Messi has said in a previous interview that he would like to continue playing for the national team and has no plans to retire internationally in the near future, a decision welcomed by the coach.
