Lionel Scaloni has been witness to many of Lionel Messi's magical moments over the course of his career but the Argentina manager said on Tuesday that even at the age of 37 his captain continues to amaze him.
Coach Lionel Scaloni will present a team without captain Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria after a long time. The two significant absences force the World Cup winning coach to think about a renewed composition of the national team.
"I don't know if it marks an era, but it's true this team never ceases to surprise, they overcame the difficulties of a very difficult match, with a very complicated opponent and without a good first half," Scaloni said.
"I hope the fans have a party, I want it with all my heart. Apart from the joy of winning the title, I think it would be a joy for everyone if it ends well," Scaloni told a press conference on Saturday.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has heaped praise on Barcelona and Spain coaches for taking good care of young talent Lamine Yamal, who is setting the European Championship on fire.
Lionel Messi said he was enjoying his "last battles" with Argentina after the 37-year-old found the net in a 2-0 win over Canada on Tuesday to book a place in the Copa America final.
Messi returned to action on Thursday in Argentina's quarter-final win against Ecuador after missing the final group-stage match due to injury. He played the entire game, but looked physically hampered.
It’s a huge relief for the Inter Milan marksman, who had experienced a miserable 18 months.
World champions Argentina showed their steel and killer instinct as they beat Chile 1-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Scaloni said the surface made it difficult for his team to play their normal game and take the tactical approach he prefers.
The tournament brings together 10 South American teams and six from North and Central America and the Caribbean in the second Copa hosted by the United States.
"It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now, we'll see what happens later. Messi is fine, he's happy. I'm with renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title," Scaloni said.
Scaloni, 46, caused a stir when he said he was considering stepping down after Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in November.
Martinez has gone 16 consecutive games without scoring a goal, spanning a total of 772 minutes.
The news comes after the Argentina FA (AFA) President Claudio Tapia met with Scaloni to discuss the national team's upcoming friendlies in China ahead of the June 20-July 14 continental tournament in the United States.
The reigning world champions are hungry for more as they look to the future.
The bond the players shared with the fans was also appreciated on the touchline. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni always made mention of the supporters' contributions throughout his Qatar 2022 journey.
A year ago, on this day, Lionel Messi’s Argentina triumphed over France in a final for the ages to lift their third FIFA World Cup.
Argentina face Uruguay on Friday, 6am Bangladesh Time before playing Brazil next Wednesday (6.30am Bangladesh Time).