Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed how he helped persuade Lionel Messi to return to the national team for a farewell appearance, saying the forward deserved the chance to say goodbye to supporters on home soil.
Scaloni said he pushed for the reunion because he could not be certain he would still be Argentina’s coach in the future, making the planned tribute an opportunity the team should not postpone.
Messi announced his retirement from international football in August, shortly after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The decision came after a difficult period for the 39-year-old forward, who was also grieving the death of his father, according to reports.
However, the Argentina Football Association later invited Messi back for a farewell match, with the team scheduled to face Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on October 6.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Scaloni said he personally engaged Messi and tried to convince him that the moment was right for the tribute.
The coach explained that the team understood what Messi had been going through but said the player still wanted to return and say goodbye to the supporters who had followed his career.
Scaloni said the Argentine Football Association and its president, Claudio Tapia, also played their part in making the appearance happen.
He described the opportunity to honour Messi as meaningful, adding that a tribute of this nature should take place while the circumstances allow it.
“I believe that a player like him deserves this,” Scaloni said, explaining that he wanted to be present for Messi’s farewell and had pushed for the forward to participate.
The coach added that although Messi would continue to be celebrated, the atmosphere and significance of a farewell could change if it were delayed.
Messi’s planned appearance will give Argentina supporters an opportunity to honour the captain, whose career with the national team includes major international titles and years of service.
He led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and helped the team win two Copa América titles during Scaloni’s tenure.
The October fixture against Benin is part of Argentina’s scheduled international friendlies, with the team also set to face Bolivia and Burkina Faso during the same period.
Scaloni’s comments also come as questions remain about his own future with the national team.
His contract is due to expire in December, and he said he was expected to meet Tapia in the coming days to discuss the situation.
The coach said there were conditions to discuss before any agreement could be reached, while making clear that he did not intend to remain in the job indefinitely simply because it had been a successful period.
Scaloni has overseen Argentina’s rise to major honours, including the 2022 World Cup and consecutive Copa América triumphs, since taking charge.
For now, his immediate focus includes preparing the team for the upcoming friendlies and ensuring Messi receives the farewell that the coach believes he deserves.
The October 6 match at the Monumental Stadium is expected to bring Messi back in front of Argentina’s home supporters following his announcement that he was stepping away from international football.
The return is being framed by the coach and the federation as a chance for the player and fans to share a final moment together in Argentina colours, even as the details of Scaloni’s own future remain unresolved.