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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni fought back tears as he said no one could replace Lionel Messi after a 3-0 victory over Benin that marked the superstar’s departure from the national team.
For Scaloni, who won four major titles with Messi as his captain, their partnership was far more than he had ever imagined.
“It was truly like a dream come true,” Scaloni said. “I never thought I could be the coach of the best player in history.”
His voice grew heavy as he continued.
“We will be grateful to him forever for giving us the chance to be with him,” he said.
“My eyes are watering, because there is so much going through my head right now. It will hurt not to see him anymore,” Scaloni added.
Under Scaloni, with Messi leading the side, Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2024 Copa America.
Messi scored once and set up two goals in his farewell appearance against Benin.
Asked how Argentina would move forward without him, Scaloni said there was no straightforward way to fill the void.
Where would Argentina find another Messi?
“Nowhere,” he replied.
“We are working with young players now. This process will go on. But the feeling of having Messi next to you, nothing compares to it,” Scaloni said.
He also tried to explain what made Messi so unique.
“I have never seen such an aura in anyone else in my life,” he said.
Scaloni then reflected on the reality of Argentina’s new era.
“The player who could make a win possible in an impossible match with his extraordinary talent is no longer with you,” he said.