Messi's jersey will be ready if decides to play at next World Cup: manager

LUSAIL, QATAR: Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni aforementioned that he can keep Lionel Messi's jersey prepared just in case the supernatural captain needs to play at succeeding tourney when he over the country's 36-year wait to hoist the golden trophy once more.

On an evening of high drama, Messi scored 2 goals associate degreed once more within the gunfight as he light-emitting diode Argentina to an emotional 4-2 win on penalties over France on Sunday, with the match ending in a very 3-3 draw following a hundred and twenty minutes of breathless action.

After finally fulfilling a long dream by lifting the final word prize in world football, several thought the 35-year-old Messi might nevermore start up carrying the illustrious blue and white stripes of Argentina. however among many moments, Messi declared that he doesn't attempt to retire from international duty in close to future.

It was a choice welcome by his coach.

"I suppose we should always keep the quantity ten jersey ready for succeeding tourney if he (Messi) appears like enjoying," Scaloni told a conference.

"He attained the correct to try and do no matter he needs along with his career. What he transmits to his team mates is unimaginable. I even have ne'er seen such associate degree grownup within the ever-changing area.

Scaloni aforementioned following last year's Copa America triumph, once they beat Brazil within the final, they began to feel unbeatable.

"After (we beat) Brazil, I had a speech with Messi... (and explained) we have a tendency to had a giant task in-front folks, individuals from our country were beginning to believe (in our tourney chances), to hope, and pressure was rising," aforementioned Scaloni.

"He told Maine that 'We need to keep going, nothing else matters' which gave Maine an incredible emotional boost.

"I completed that we have a tendency to were on the verge of (achieving) one thing (big)."

With the planet Cup triumph returning simply 2 years following the death of Diego Maradona, United Nations agency had splendidly light-emitting diode Argentina to their last title in 1986, associate degree emotional Scaloni said: "I solely currently realise that Maradona isn't with North American country any longer which makes Maine suppose that he are happy and happy with North American country from wherever he's.

"If he was here, he would are the primary fan to step in pitch to celebrate with North American country. I hope he has enjoyed what we have a tendency to accomplished."

He additionally wept because it dawned on him what the win meant to the numerous those who had followed the team's journey from home, together with his family and friends.

"It wasn’t in my plans being world champion. It’s madness," Scaloni aforementioned.

"That is not any larger pride of representing your country and that i hope we have a tendency to created our fans proud."