Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has said there will never be another player like Lionel Messi, as the legendary forward prepares for what could be his final World Cup qualifier on home soil.

Speaking ahead of Friday morning’s match against Venezuela, Scaloni called the occasion “special” and admitted the football world may never again witness a talent of Messi’s magnitude.

Understandably, the Argentine people has been swept up in a wave of sentiment, celebrating the legacy of a player many now consider the greatest of all time.

Among those visibly moved by Messi’s farewell is Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Scaloni admitted that replacing Messi will be impossible.

“We’ve spoken since he arrived, but not about the match. He’s already made his thoughts clear; this is a special game. If this really is his last World Cup qualifier in Argentina, then we need to enjoy it. Just having him here is a joy,” Scaloni said.
Still, Scaloni is hopeful that this won’t be Messi’s final game in front of home fans.
He believes the iconic number 10 deserves a grander farewell; ideally one more home match to give the nation a chance to honour him properly.

“I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside him. Just passing him the ball was special. Sharing World Cup with him, seeing him lift the trophy; it was an unforgettable experience. As time passes, we’ll realize just how much it all meant. Tomorrow will be emotional, no doubt, but I hope it’s not his last game in Argentina. If he wants it, we’ll make sure he gets one more. He deserves that.”

Speculation has grown that Messi may retire from international football after 2026 FIFA World Cup. Asked whether the football world will ever see another like him, Scaloni was firm in his response.

“A successor to Messi? In Argentina or anywhere in the world? No, there won’t be one. Sure, great players will come and define their own eras, but what he has done over such a long period is truly unmatched.” For many years, Argentines revered Diego Maradona as the one true football god.

But since winning 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Messi has cemented his place in hearts of his people. He is now celebrated not just as a legend, but as the greatest footballer of all time.

As Argentina prepares for what could be a historic farewell, the spotlight remains firmly on Messi; not just as a player, but as a symbol of an era that may never come again.