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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni breaks silence on Lionel Messi's retirement

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi had hinted that the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be his last right before the tournament.

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Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni

Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni (Image Credit: Twitter)

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi had announced that the FIFA World Cup 2022 would be his last for the team. His statements came before the tournament had started. The Southern American side started by losing to 50th-ranked Saudi Arabia. However, there was no looking back for the Blue Brigade as they qualified for the final by winning all their remaining games.

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In the title clash against the then-defending champions, France, the team won in the Penalty shootout. During the World Cup, the 35-year-old Messi suggested further that he wants to live through the last few knockouts and help the team will the title.

"What is going to happen after this? After fighting so much throughout my career, I was almost at the end. I want to continue living a few more games being world champion," Messi said.

However, a few months later, the team's coach, Lionel Scaloni indicated that La Pulga's retirement could be up to the Argentina skipper himself. The former said "Leo is fine, until he says otherwise, he'll keep coming here. He's happy on the pitch and in the National Team."

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Lionel Messi can play the next World Cup: Lionel Scaloni

Meanwhile, a few months, the Argentina boss had indicated on the same lines. He said that Messi can play in the 2026 World Cup too, which will be played in England. At the time, the PSG striker will be 38-39 years old.

"I think Messi can get to the next World Cup," he said. "It will depend a lot on what he wants, on whether he feels good.

"The door will always be open. He is happy on the pitch and it would be very nice for us."

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