“Says the Right Words” – Lionel Scaloni Lauds Lionel Messi’s Leadership Qualities on Christmas Day

Lionel Messi is a born leader. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s achievements both at the club and country level are a testament to his stewardship. While even today he continues to etch his name in the annals of soccer, his prowess as a leader takes center stage. Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni has taken the joyous occasion of Christmas to highlight Messi’s remarkable leadership abilities, claiming he has ‘never seen’ such outstanding quality in a soccer player or person.

Subsequently, La Pulga has a lot of responsibilities ahead of the upcoming year, with the fresh MLS campaign with Inter Miami and the 2024 Copa America alongside Argentina. 

Lionel Scaloni hails ‘incredible’ leadership of Lionel Messi 

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni managed to give Lionel Messi a special Christmas gift by heaping praise on La Pulga’s leadership. In an interview with Universo Valdano, Scaloni praised how Messi perfectly fits into his captain’s armband role. The World Cup-winning manager said, “Messi is a football leader, but when he speaks, I can guarantee you that he says the right words and what he transmits to his teammate I have never seen before, not in a footballer, in any person.” 

While claiming it ‘incredible,’ Scaloni insists that it’s difficult to explain his leadership in words and that people would need to experience it themselves. “What he transmits when he speaks, how he looks at his teammates, the way he looks at them, with admiration…” he added. It is indeed quite heartwarming praise from Scaloni for Messi. These touching words will surely bring a smile to the 36-year-old’s face. Notably, there were rumors earlier that both Messi and Scaloni had a rift with each other.

Are Scaloni and La Pulga on bad terms? 

Recent rumors suggested that Lionel Messi was not happy with his coach because of the remarks he made that appeared to be a resignation hint. Contrary to these rumors, Scaloni quickly dismissed them, stating, “I spoke to Messi after the Brazil game; he is the captain, and I have a great relationship with him,” he said. 

READ MORE: Exactly 365 Days After World Cup Win, Lionel Scaloni Recalls ‘Unforgettable Match’ Against Kylian Mbappe’s France

As for his future, Scaloni claimed that he is ‘still the coach.’ However, he is still ‘thinking’ about his decision. “I said after the Brazil game [Argentina won 0-1] that it is a moment to think, and I am still in that instance,” added the manager. Notably, there are reports that Scaloni will manage Argentina until Copa America. Nevertheless, only time will answer all the questions.  

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