Published on 02:59 PM, March 30, 2023

Messi admiration creates ‘different chemistry’ for Argentina

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reacts after Argentina's match against Panama in Buenos Aires on March 24, 2023. Photo: Reuters

There are a lot of traits that make a team like the reigning World Cup champions Argentina successful. 

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about how the bonding among his charges makes the Albiceleste unit a tightly knit one. 

"They've known each other for a long time, they've been together all day," Scaloni told AFA Estudio.   

"A mistake by one makes the mistake perhaps smaller because the other bankrolls him, tells him 'Nothing's wrong' or fixes it knowing he's a friend. It seems to be nonsensical, but I don't see it [that way]. I see them as important," he added.

Scaloni further mentioned that the presence of Lionel Messi plays a big role, as far as team bonding is concerned.

"The fact that they see Leo [Messi] as the best player in history, like they see him...  they are going to give up their lives for him. That creates a different chemistry. That in football counts a lot," said the Argentina coach who went on to acknowledge the close relationship that exists between the entire coaching staff and squad.

"Being so close, everything affects us much more, the good and the bad. Everything affects us. If someone has a family problem, it affects us. We feel like one more.

"We don't feel that we are coaches, that we stand aside, we send... They are clear that the good is the team and the role of each one is well separated, but at the level of affection it is incredible. I love them a lot and it is mutual," affirmed the world champion coach.