“If I go somewhere else, I’ll take him with me” - Lionel Scaloni hints at new role for Lionel Messi even after retirement
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni hinted that Lionel Messi could continue with his country in a different capacity even after his international retirement. He made the comments after La Albiceleste's 2-0 semi-final win over Canada in the Copa America 2024 on Tuesday, July 09.
Messi played a key part in his team's win by scoring the second goal in the 51st minute. Julian Alvarez gave them a first-half lead by netting in the 22nd minute.
The Inter Miami sensation has entered the final leg of his career and even admitted that he's in his 'final battles' for Argentina. With him aged 37, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner could be thinking about plans post-retirement.
An option for him that is seemingly open is to continue working for the national team in the capacity of a coach. Speaking after the Canada match, Scalonio said when asked about Messi's post-retirement plans (via @AlbicelesteTalk):
"We will never close the door for Messi. He can be with us whenever he wants, even after he retires. If I go somewhere else, I'll take him with me if he wants."
The Argentine coach is contracted with the national team until December 2026 and could work with Messi in a different capacity if the latter chooses to retire before that.
To date, Messi has made 186 appearances for Argentina, bagging 109 goals and 58 assists. He's won the World Cup and Copa America once each.
How did Lionel Messi perform in Argentina's 2-0 win against Canada in Copa America 2024?
Although it wasn't Argentina's and Lionel Messi's best display, the ex-Barcelona man still found a way to impact the game by bagging a goal. During this match, he took 45 touches and managed a 79 percent passing accuracy.
Messi made two key passes, and attempted two crosses, out of which one found the target. He took four shots in the match, with just one on target. The former Paris Saint-Germain star won two of his eight ground duels and did not compete in any aerial battles.
Messi has scored and assisted once each in four appearances in Copa America 2024. He will be keen to make an impact when Argentina play either Uruguay or Colombia in the final on Sunday, July 14.