Rio de Janeiro: Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Lionel Messi on Saturday, praising his team captain and revealing he played at the Copa America win over Brazil with injury.
“If you know how he plays in the Copa America you love him more,” Scaloni told reporters after Argentina’s 1-0 victory at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
“You can never do it without players like him, even when he is not fully suited as in this game and the previous one.” Skaloni did not say what was injured but he showered Messi with praise on the night Argentina took to the streets in a large number for Celebrating their first international title in 28 years and Messi’s first victory with the national team.
Copa America: Messi won the first major title with Argentinamessi, the winner of the FIFA player award the record six times, has won every club and the honor of the individual with Barcelona but he has lost the fourth finals with Argentina.
The 34-year-old children have shown frustration with defeat, retiring after losing the 2016 Copa America only to return to international folds a few weeks later.
“In the end he didn’t throw a towel and he succeeded,” Scaloni said.
“We are talking about the best footballers of all time and everyone knows how important it is for him to win the title with the national team.” “I have different relationships of coach-player relationships (ordinary),” added Skaloni.
“This is closer.
We greet each other, we hugged each other, and I am grateful forever to him and his teammate.”