Lionel Scaloni, the manager of the Argentina national team, has witnessed countless remarkable moments from Lionel Messi throughout his illustrious career. Yet, even at 37, Scaloni expressed his ongoing astonishment at Messi's ability to perform.
In a recent World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick, leading Argentina to a resounding 6-0 victory. This marked only his second appearance for the national team since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America in July.
Following the match, Messi indicated his determination to continue playing for as long as he can maintain his desired level of performance. Scaloni echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that Messi would remain active on the pitch for many more years.
"It never ceases to amaze," Scaloni remarked during a press conference, reflecting on the joy of watching Messi's exceptional skills unfold from the sidelines. He emphasized the importance of allowing Messi to play for as long as possible, underlining the deep connection between the player and the team.
Despite facing challenges with injuries and suspensions within his squad, Scaloni expressed immense pride in his players. Notably, goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez was suspended for two matches due to offensive behavior, which sidelined him for the qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.
Scaloni acknowledged the competitive spirit within the team, stating that experienced players understand the need to perform well to retain their positions. He praised the younger players for stepping up, saying, "That breath of fresh air generates a lot for us. The boys are behaving in an exemplary manner."
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