There are growing signs that the Argentinian fans saw Lionel Messi in his national jersey for the last time on home soil on Tuesday. Coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly left it up to him whether he takes part in the World Cup this summer.
The end of Lionel Messi’s time in the Argentinian national team is apparently drawing closer. Ahead of the unequal preparatory match between the reigning world champions and underdogs Zambia, the fans were astonished to see their captain visibly moved by his performance in the capital Buenos Aires. Messi was already fighting back tears during the national anthems.
Argentinian media quickly agreed afterwards that it was probably a sign of Messi’s last international match on Argentinian soil. At the legendary Bombonera, Boca Juniors’ iconic venue, which is undergoing a refurbishment, the now 38-year-old with the captain’s armband on his arm came up trumps once again and scored the interim 2:0. It was his 116th goal in his 198th international match.
The team was sent off with great emotion by the fans after the final whistle – Argentina won convincingly 5:0. “We’re going there to defend the title,” said defender Nicolas Otamendi, quoting his most prominent teammate: “As Leo once said: People should believe in it, because we have what it takes.”
Messi in the World Cup squad? “Let’s hope it turns out that way”
But will Messi play his last World Cup at the finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico? National coach Lionel Scaloni left that open to his leader at the press conference following the resounding victory over Zambia: “If he wants to come, that would be an honor again. We have the feeling that he always wants to be there and compete; let’s hope it turns out that way and we can enjoy it.”
By May 11, Argentina’s national team coach must submit a mandatory list of 55 players to FIFA, which will be reduced to 26 professionals by May 30 at the latest. The probability that Messi will then be included is relatively high. It would be a much bigger surprise if “La Pulga” were to miss out on this late career highlight.
At the World Cup finals, Argentina will face Algeria (17 June), German neighbors Austria (22 June) and Jordan (28 June) in the preliminary round. If the Albiceleste win their group and the DFB team also progress as group winners, there could theoretically be a repeat of the 2014 World Cup final in the final.
