After ending Argentina’s 36-year wait to lift the golden trophy once more, manager Lionel Scaloni indicated that he will leave Lionel Messi’s jersey available in case the star striker leader decides to compete at the following World Cup.
On a night of high drama, Messi scored two goals and again in the shootout as he led Argentina to an emotional 4-2 win on penalties over France on Sunday, with the match ending in a 3-3 draw following 120 minutes of breathtaking action.
After finally fulfilling a lifelong dream by lifting the ultimate prize in world soccer, many thought the 35-year-old Messi may never again come out wearing the famed blue and white stripes of Argentina. But within a few moments, Messi declared that he does not plan to retire from international duty in the near future. It was a decision welcomed by his coach.
“I think we should keep the No. 10 jersey prepared for the next World Cup if he (Messi) feels like playing,” Scaloni told a news conference.
“He earned the right to do whatever he wants with his career.”
What he transmits to his teammates is incredible. I have never seen such an influential person in the changing room. Scaloni said following last year’s Copa America triumph, when they beat Brazil in the final, they started to feel unbeatable.
“After (we beat) Brazil, I had a conversation with Messi… and explained that we had a big task in front of us; people from our country were starting to believe (in our World Cup chances), to hope, and pressure was rising,” said Scaloni.
