Scaloni emotional as he prepares for Messi's 'last' WCQ game in Argentina

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni got emotional as they count down to what could be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup qualifier game on home soil. 

As Pulse Sports reported, Lionel Messi suggested that the upcoming World Cup qualifier games against Venezuela on September 5th could be his last such fixture on home soil. 

Argentina are already guaranteed a chance to defend their title at next year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup. However, they still have to play their remaining two qualifier games, the Venezuela fixture at home, and the final qualifier match against Ecuador five days later. 

Messi said that his whole family will be in attendance and they will handle it like a celebration. The 2026 World Cup is set to be Messi's last for the Albiceleste, and he is expected to fully retire after. 

A journalist in the presser was teary-eyed while discussing Messi's potential last game, and Scaloni said, "Are you crying? That wasn’t my intention," he said, only for the journalist to reply, "You gave me the greatest joy of my life."

Scaloni also began to cry, and he continued, saying, “I played alongside him, and just passing him the ball was special. Being at a World Cup with him and seeing him lift the trophy is something truly moving.”

“Over time, we’ll all realise even more what it meant. Tomorrow will be beautiful and emotional. Surely it won’t be his last game in Argentina – we’ll make sure he has another if he wants it, because he deserves that.”

“To understand it, you have to be in this position. The most important thing is that today he’s here, and we have to enjoy him. I’m the first one who enjoys every day of coaching him.”