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| Lionel Messi said after last week’s game against Venezuela that he would “rethink a lot of things” when the tournament in Qatar was over |
Argentine football fans should enjoy Lionel Messi while they can and stop worrying about whether the seven-time Ballon dโOr winner will retire from international soccer after this yearโs World Cup in Qatar, coach Lionel Scaloni said on Sunday.
โWe have to enjoy him now, not think about the future and what is going to happen,โ Scaloni told reporters ahead of Tuesdayโs qualifier away to Ecuador.
โSometimes, because thatโs life, one gets old and I think thatโs normal. But why not think about the spectacular here and now? Why not enjoy him now? Itโs useless thinking about what is going to happen after the World Cup.โ
Scaloniโs words came in response to Messiโs cryptic comment after last weekโs game against Venezuela that he would โrethink a lot of thingsโ when the tournament in Qatar was over.
The comments were interpreted in some quarters as a sign he might retire from international duty.
Messi, 34, led a lap of honour after Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, a match that could be his last international appearance on Argentine soil.
Nevertheless, Scaloni, who has led his side to a 30-game unbeaten streak, would not confirm Messiโs presence in the team to play Ecuador on Tuesday.
Both teams have already qualified for the finals and the coach promised to give some fringe players a run out.
โWe think this is the right time to make some modifications,โ he said.
Argentina had not won an international title in 28 years until Scaloni took them to the Copa America last year and they will be aiming for a third World Cup title in Qatar.
REUTERS
