Scaloni Credits Lionel Messi’s Influence in Resignation U-Turn As Argentine Coach Commits to Continuing Ahead of Copa America

Argentina is entering another year of major international tournaments. It was a dream come true after they won the 2022 World Cup, but the nation was glaring at the scare of its triumphant coach Lionel Scaloni quitting. Nevertheless, reports suggest that Lionel Messi was one of the people who encouraged him to reconsider his resignation. But what was running through Saloni’s mind when he took such a decision?

Scaloni has revived Argentina’s grip on world soccer collaborating with Lionel Messi and other senior players. The same players have come back to keep him going as the coach. Speaking recently, Scaloni opened up that Messi and other players helped him with that decision. Scaloni recently said, “At the time I spoke with Messi, De Paul, Di, Maria, Lautaro, Pezzella, and more. I had talks in January.” “What I said in Brazil was premeditated. I needed to think. This week of training was very good and it’s what we needed to reinforce the idea of continuing,” stating it was preplanned.

After a successful campaign in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Scaloni cited that his decision at that moment was for the betterment of the team since wanted to give youngsters more opportunities. However, he took a U-turn in January and could stay until his contract expires in 2026. Scaloni won a Copa America, the World Cup, and a Finalissima making it hard for the fans to let him go.

On the other hand, the Albiceleste will see their other legend Angel Di Maria retire after the 2024 Copa America. The Benfica star expressed it around the same time Scaloni made his statement. But the coach felt Lionel Messi would continue as long as he desired, and no one could stop him. However, the Inter Miami captain has been having a few setbacks recently.

Lionel Messi pulls out of international friendlies

Things have changed for Lionel Messi in the past few months. Suffering recurrent injuries, the Argentine player has been withdrawn from the two games against Nigeria and El Salvador due to a hamstring injury according to reports. Argentina’s current schedule in the USA is a product of their China tour cancellation after Leo missed the club match in Hong Kong.

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Usually committed to the national team, Messi also missed a game last year due to a recovering scar tissue injury. Even though Inter Miami was affected by his absence, Argentina only missed its skipper for a game and managed to win. Ultimately, looks like Scaloni is going to continue but how Leo will shape up for the Copa America is a thing to watch out for.

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