
via Imago
Doha, Qatar, 30th November 2022. Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts to a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2022 match at Stadium 974, Doha. Picture credit should read: David Klein / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI-2075-0072

via Imago
Doha, Qatar, 30th November 2022. Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts to a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2022 match at Stadium 974, Doha. Picture credit should read: David Klein / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI-2075-0072
The soccer world revolving around Lionel Messi suddenly finds itself bewildered. Argentina’s clash with Peru in the World Cup qualifiers is lined up next. The mercurial Messi, often regarded as the heart and soul of his national team, is at the center of a storm of uncertainty. Recently, during a press conference, head coach, Lionel Scaloni, lashed out in a fiery exchange with a journalist. He showed his frustration when confronted with questions about the Inter Miami icon’s repeated absences.
As Lionel Messi continues to recover from a sustained injury, Scaloni’s comments have left many in confusion. Let’s delve deeper as this certain journalist raised questions about the Argentine’s physical condition and potential retirement, which didn’t go well.
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Scaloni demands that Messi be ‘left alone’
In a press conference that was supposed to shed light on Argentina’s preparation for the Peru clash, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was visibly angry. As reported by TNT Sports, Scaloni lashed out at the journalist by saying, “How do we adapt when Messi is not here? Let’s just assume that he’s still here… What a way to think about when he’s not there when he’s not there? The truth is that he is still alive. Let’s hope he plays forever. Let’s leave him alone. We’re making up our own minds… Are we retiring him or what? Are we all crazy? Let’s leave him alone!”
The question of Messi’s presence on the pitch has been a recurring theme. Scaloni’s emotional outburst reflected the unease in the team’s camp over how they can adapt when their star player isn’t around. While Argentina demonstrated their ability to perform without Lionel Messi in recent matches, the player’s significance to the team remains undeniable.
Lionel Messi’s retirement is a topic that is difficult to think about, but it is one that is inevitable. Scaloni is right to say that we should ‘leave Messi alone’ for now. However, one should also be prepared for the day when he is no longer in the Argentina team. He is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he is still capable of producing moments of magic on the pitch. It is no surprise that Scaloni does not want to focus on speaking about his retirement now.
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Will Lionel Messi play against Peru?
As Argentina braces itself for a fierce clash against Peru, the question that’s on everyone’s lips is whether Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup. Coach Scaloni’s press conference offered no definitive answer, adding to the suspense surrounding this crucial fixture. Scaloni stated, “He’s fine, he’s been training. We will make the decision tomorrow. If he is well, he will play, which is what we all want.” While Messi’s presence is pivotal for the team’s success, the coach must also consider the overall physical condition of the players and the importance of tactical adaptability.

via Reuters
Soccer Football – International Friendly – United Arab Emirates v Argentina – Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 16, 2022 Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
This uncertainty surrounding Messi’s fitness adds an extra layer of complexity to the Argentine team’s preparation for the Peru clash. As the fans hope to see Lionel Messi grace the field and work his magic once more, the questions surrounding his future continue to hang heavy in the air. It will be interesting to see whether the soccer starts against Peru. It is too early to say when he will retire, but it is clear that Argentina is preparing for life without him. Scaloni has built a team that is capable of winning, but Messi’s presence would still be a boost.
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