In a detailed interview, Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni opened up about the future of the national team. He shared his thoughts on preparing for a time after Lionel Messi, the development of promising young talents, and his philosophy for keeping the team competitive.
Scaloni emphasized that his focus remains on the present, building a team that is strong with or without its superstar. He believes that while Messi is a once-in-a-lifetime player, the team has learned to play with a consistent style, thanks to a deep pool of talented players who can step up when needed.
👑 Acknowledging Messi’s Greatness
As Lionel Messi plays his final World Cup qualifiers, Scaloni urged everyone to enjoy watching him while they still can. He made it clear that there will be no “heir” or successor to Messi, calling him an unmatched and unrepeatable player. Scaloni believes the loss will be felt not just by Argentina but by the entire football world when he retires. In the dressing room, Messi is an inspiration and a leader who commands respect from teammates and opponents alike. Scaloni shared that Messi has often played through physical issues that would have sidelined other players, demonstrating his incredible commitment to the team.
💪 Building a Strong and United Team
Reflecting on his 70 games as coach, Scaloni expressed his pride in maintaining a consistent vision for the team. He stressed that Argentina’s success comes from its collective strength. The team has learned to stick to its game plan even when Messi is not on the field, which has made them more solid and resilient. For the upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador, Scaloni plans to give opportunities to newer players, allowing them to gain valuable experience. His motto is to focus on the immediate challenge rather than thinking too far ahead, ensuring the team stays grounded and prepared for every match.
🌟 Nurturing the Next Generation
Scaloni spoke positively about Argentina’s rising stars, particularly Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono. He is pleased with Paz’s progress at Como under coach Cesc Fabregas, noting that the young player is developing into a complete midfielder. Regarding Mastantuono’s recent move to Real Madrid, Scaloni advised patience. He trusts that the club and coach will manage his development carefully, given his young age. While he believes both players have a huge future and can contribute to the national team for years to come, he stressed the importance of letting them grow without pressure.
🤝 Trusting the Established Stars
The coach also praised his established players for their leadership and consistency. He sees Enzo Fernandez as a key figure at Chelsea, capable of handling pressure and destined to be an important player for Argentina for many years. He also expressed confidence in Cristian Romero, whose contract renewal with Spurs gives him stability. On Rodrigo De Paul’s move to Inter Miami, Scaloni stated that he respects the player’s personal and family decisions. He made it clear that a player’s performance on the field is what matters, not the league they play in, and he is confident De Paul will maintain his high standards.
🏆 Reflecting on Glory and Future Challenges
Looking back at the 2022 World Cup victory, Scaloni’s most cherished memory was watching his entire team and staff celebrate on the pitch, a moment of pure, shared joy. As for the 2026 World Cup, he anticipates it will be a tough tournament. The 48-team format and its location across three countries with different time zones and weather conditions will present unique challenges for everyone. However, his message to the fans is simple: the team will continue to fight, compete, and do its best to bring joy to the country.
