Argentine Coach Hopes Messi Gets A Special Welcome In The Last Kandang Match

JAKARTA - Argentina National Team (Timnas) coach Lionel Scaloni emotionally said that Lionel Messi deserved a special welcome when he entered the field for his last competitive match at home to Argentina on Friday, September 5, 2025, Indonesian Western Time (WIB) morning.

Messi, 38, has not announced when he plans to retire. However, the Inter Miami captain confirmed last week that he expects the match against Venezuela in Buenos Aires in the 2026 Conmebol Zone World Cup Qualifiers to be his final home game.

Asked about the prospect in a press conference before the match on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, local time, Scaloni explained it was an honor to coach the eight Ballon d'Or winner, who won the 2022 World Cup together.

"Yes, this is a game that Leo thinks will be emotional, special, and fun because it's true that this is our last 2026 World Cup Qualifiers game."

"We have to enjoy it, as we always say. More than anyone else, I will enjoy it."

"Being able to train is really fun. Hopefully the supporters who come to the stadium also enjoy it because he deserves it," said Scaloni, who wipes his tears when appearing in front of the media.

Scaloni further hoped that the match against Venezuela would not be his announcement to retire from Team Tango.

The coach wants the superstar to have another chance to say goodbye to Argentina supporters before retiring.

"Tomorrow will be an exciting game. I'm sure this isn't his last game in Argentina."

"I said, we will make sure if he decides this is his last game, we will play another game."

"Obviously we have to do it at the right time because he deserves it," said Scaloni.

Messi has hinted that he will retire from the national team after the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will defend the title they won in Qatar.

The 2030 World Cup qualification will begin in 2027, when the Inter Miami star is 40 years old - unlikely Messi will still join the Tango Team.