Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted there can be no true successor to Lionel Messi, insisting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is “unmatched” as he prepares to lead the national team into what could be the superstar’s final World Cup in 2026, MySportDab Reports.
Messi, 38, is widely expected to retire from international football after the tournament, bringing down the curtain on a glittering career that has seen him inspire Argentina to Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024 as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking to Flashscore, Scaloni urged fans to treasure every remaining moment of Messi on the pitch. “Let’s enjoy him now, as much as possible, for as many games as he can play,” the coach said. “At some point, he won’t be here, and the loss will be enormous—not just for Argentina but for the whole world of football.”
Messi has shown little sign of decline with Inter Miami this season, scoring 27 goals and adding 11 assists in 34 appearances in Major League Soccer.
Yet Scaloni stressed that his influence extends beyond numbers. “There won’t be an heir to Messi, for sure,” he said. “There may be great players who define an era, but what he has done over such a long time is unrepeatable. From what I’ve seen, Leo is unmatched.”
Argentina have already sealed top spot in South American World Cup qualifying, collecting 35 points from 16 matches—10 clear of Ecuador and Brazil. La Albiceleste conclude their campaign against Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Thursday before travelling to Ecuador.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Scaloni’s message is clear: Messi’s brilliance cannot be replaced—only cherished while it lasts.
