Lionel Scaloni ardently desires Lionel Messi to commit to assisting Argentina in their bid to retain the World Cup title this summer.
Messi has continued to be strangely hesitant about confirming his availability for the reigning champions, even after participating in both the qualifying rounds and the preparatory matches.
The 38-year-old netted a goal and set up another when Scaloni’s squad decisively defeated Zambia by a score of 5-0 in Buenos Aires yesterday evening, in what might have marked his ultimate showing for the national squad on his native soil.
Scaloni declines to exert any coercion on Messi regarding a definitive choice, yet he maintains hope that his key player will participate in the tournaments held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“I would consider it a privilege to collaborate with him should he determine this particular event will be his concluding World Cup,” stated Scaloni. “This is because, with him, one can never truly anticipate what might unfold. Everyone yearns to witness him perform and delight in his play, and I intend to exhaust all avenues to ensure the squad provides him with ample backing.
“When that moment arrives, should he opt to join [the World Cup], we will convene for a discussion, as his aspirations mirror our own. Should he attend, his desire will undoubtedly be to participate. We can only wish to savor his performance if he chooses to be present, and then we shall observe how events unfold.”
Scaloni anticipates Messi will achieve 1,000 goals
Messi netted the 902nd goal of his extraordinary career facing Zambia; although he has not vocally expressed a wish to hit the 1,000-goal milestone, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Scaloni is confident it remains attainable, particularly since his Miami agreement extends until 2028.
He further stated: ”I believe he will attain that benchmark. Should he persist in playing, I do not foresee him encountering any difficulties. My wish is for him to continue participating because he finds joy on the field, and we all desire to watch him. How many did he manage, over 90 goals within a single year [in 2012]? He is certainly capable of accomplishing it.”
The victory against Zambia proved straightforward for Argentina, yet it was also well-received following the underwhelming display versus Mauritania on Friday.
“The crucial aspect is ensuring that the events of the other day are not repeated. I believe today demonstrated that it was merely an isolated incident, and the squad, through collective effort, succeeded in performing admirably,” Scaloni remarked.