Lionel Messi stunned everyone after he announced his retirement from international soccer in 2016. Fans all over Argentina were left bewildered, hoping the player would reverse his decision. However, in an interview, former Albiceleste skipper Mario Kempes opened up on La Pulga’s decision, stating he did not want him to return.

The former Albiceleste skipper also commented on Lionel Scaloni’s potential decision to step down as the national team’s head coach. While fans hope that Scaloni stays, Kempes had an interesting point of view.

Mario Kempes speaks on Lionel Messi’s first retirement

Notably, Messi returned from retirement to achieve tremendous success with the Albiceleste bagging the Copa America and World Cup titles. However, all this could have been just a pipedream if La Pulga had not flipped his decision following his retirement announcement in 2016.

During an interview, former Argentine skipper Mario Kempes explained Messi’s decision, “You have to respect everything. When Messi resigned, I said it was fine. If he did things well, it was his fault that he lost. If he lost, it was his fault.”

He added, “He does everything he has to do, and everything turns out well for him, but not for the National Team, and that bothers. And I said ‘Let him not come again, let him stay happy in Barcelona’.”

While detailing Messi’s decision, Kempes also touched down on Lionel Scaloni’s announcement, with the Argentine boss looking to leave his post following the Copa America 2024.

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Kempes wants people to accept Lionel Scaloni’s decision

Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni broke a bomb on fans around the world last year, deciding to step down from his position as the national team’s head coach. Many critics were stunned at his words, commenting on his surprising decision.

Kempes also commented on Lionel Scaloni’s future, stating the manager had made a name for himself despite having no significant experience before coaching Argentina. However, his accolades with the team surely helped him command respect. He continued that if Scaloni wants to stay or leave, they should leave the decision up to him.

It will be interesting to see the decision Lionel Scaloni makes following the conclusion of the Copa America 2024. While the World Cup-winning manager might be pondering his future, millions of Albiceleste fans will hope that Scaloni continues to serve the national team for years to come.

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