Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has opened up about how he feels about Lionel Messi, following the 39-year-old's retirement from international football.
Messi played his last game for Argentina on Tuesday, with the Albiceleste defeating Benin 3-0
Speaking after the game, Scaloni expressed gratitude for the opportunity to manage the world champion.
"It has been a dream come true. I never thought I would be the coach of the best footballer in history," Scaloni said. "We are eternally grateful to him for giving us the opportunity to be with him."
The head coach struggled to hide his emotion as he considered the future without his captain.
"The tears are because so many things are going through my head," Scaloni admitted. "Not seeing him anymore will be sad."
Speaking about Argentina's future after Messi's retirement, Scaloni said no single player can replicate his game-changing abilities.
"We are working with young players now, and this continues, but the feeling of having him on your side is incomparable," Scaloni stated. "I have never seen that aura in anyone else in my life."
He stressed that team cohesion now needs to make up for the absence of individual brilliance.
"That player who could unlock the game with his brilliance, you don't have him anymore," he added.
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