Scaloni Reveals Messi’s Argentina Farewell Left Teammates Nervous in Emotional Night

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says the emotion of Lionel Messi's final match made it hard for his players to settle, even though they went on to beat Benin 3-0.

Speaking to LA Nacion, Scaloni said the squad was so focused on giving Messi a perfect send-off that they struggled early on. 

"Everything was very emotional and in the first half was where the teammates themselves did not know which play to choose, they were nervous, because it was a special night," he said. 

He added: "It is not easy for the teammate who wants him to leave in the best way. For them it is also unparalleled and that is why the first half was not good, because we all wanted him to do his best."

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He kept his own goodbye short. "After the match I just greeted him, he had enough going on for me to ask him anything," Scaloni said.

The coach was seen with tears in his eyes during the national anthem. He led Messi to World Cup and Copa America glory, and he did not hide how much it meant. 

"A very emotional day and at the same time sad, because he will not play for this shirt anymore. Eternal gratitude for everything he has given us, for defending this shirt like the best," he said.

He also said managing Messi was a dream come true. "For me it was a dream to manage him, it is a reality. I told him in front of everyone with the little energy I had. A dream that I was able to make come true, because at no time in my life did I think I could be his coach: the best footballer in history."

Scaloni says it is Messi's presence, as much as his skill, that will be missed. "The feeling of having the best player on your side is something impossible to understand. Having him on your side is unparalleled. We can put together a great team, but I've never seen that aura in anyone else. What he generates is unlike anything I've ever seen," he said.

Argentina now have to move on without their captain. Scaloni is pleased with the new players coming through. 

"We have new players who have brought a fresh perspective and things we didn't have before, like playing with wingers. It's a good alternative, and we're happy despite it only being three matches," he said. 

He added: "We're working on team cohesion, new concepts, and seeing them train and combine gives us good prospects."