Football

Lionel Messi’s retirement from international player has made children out of many of us.

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That’s hardly a bad thing. The Argentine playmaker has conjured up spells throughout his national team career, dancing, probing, sauntering and scoring countless times to propel La Albiceleste to success over the past two decades.

Lionel Scaloni has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Messi’s exploits. Argentina’s manager has led the nation to one of its most successful periods in the past eight years. Messi has been central to it. Together, they’ve cemented themselves as eternals in their beloved country’s sporting lore.

Messi’s retirement game vs. Benin appeared to have Scaloni exploring all the fruits of their relationship. He couldn’t help but react emotionally when he did.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Argentina manager has super relatable reaction to Lionel Messi’s retirement

Scaloni has never been one to hid his emotions. He wasn’t interested in doing so ahead of Messi’s final game in Argentina colors, either.

The veteran Argentine gaffer let the tears flow as he listened to his beloved national anthem before the match kicked off. Scaloni’s reaction was less a cry than a sob — water poured from his irises as the song revved towards its crescendo.

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La emoción de Lionel Scaloni apenas empezó a sonar el himno. Este tipo ama a Argentina. Ama a Messi. https://t.co/COLCdATGZK

— Siempre Con Argentina⭐⭐⭐ (@siempreconargok) October 6, 2026

During the World Cup, Scaloni joked that his assistant coaches call him the crier (La Llorona) on account of his willingness to flaunt his emotions when he sees fit. Tuesday was no exception, although it’s understandable why he felt compelled to react so somberly to the news of his star pupil’s impending retirement.

Scaloni and Messi were teammates for a spell, bumping shoulders as part of Argentina’s senior team at the 2006 World Cup. A decade later, he was appointed to coach Messi, first as an assistant, then as a full-time manager. That partnership proved eminently successful — capturing two Copa Americas and one World Cup.

Argentina will undoubtedly be a contender for intercontinental and international trophies after Messi’s retirement. Still, the end of an era is a tough thing to grapple with. Scaloni’s emotive reaction proves as much.

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MORE MESSI COVERAGE:

• Where Lionel Messi stands in Argentina history for goals, appearances, and more
• Why this might not be Messi’s only retirement celebration this year
• Read more about what Lionel Messi’s true legacy means to the world
• The best Messi moments in his Argentina career
• Who will wear Argentina’s No.10 shirt after Lionel Messi retires?