LIonel Scaloni’s Argentina national team trained ahead of a friendly against Zambia after a 2-1 win over Mauritania on Friday. But what looked like a simple training session turned into an emotional moment.
After the session, a photo of Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi was released, and the look on his face touched the emotions of Argentine fans amidst the possibility of parting ways with his home country.
Messi brings fans to tears as his farewell with Argentina approaches
The 38-year-old idol could compete in his sixth and final World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 72 days, although he has yet to officially confirm his participation and says everything will depend on how his body reacts in the coming months.
Before the tournament, Leo came off the bench in a friendly against Mauritania. Now, Messi will start against Zambia at La Bombonera Stadium, but regardless of the result, the match will be as historic and emotional as the build-up had already hinted at.
During the Albiceleste’s latest training session, Leo was photographed sitting in a cooler, silently looking at his teammates, and his visibly emotional expression evoked nostalgia in all his fans.
And in fact, this was likely the last training session at the Argentine national team facility. This is the place where he spent more than 20 years, experiencing the pain of defeat and the joy of glory, and which now bears his name following his victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In addition to this, the game against Zambia is almost certain to be the last game Lionel will play at home before the World Cup.
Amid uncertainty about his presence at the tournament and his future after the event, fans did not hide their emotions.
“I’m getting closer to retirement every day,” one of them commented with an emoji and a sad GIF. “Thank you Maestro for everything,” another wrote.
“It’s hard to imagine Albiceleste without Messi on the training ground…unforgettable,” said a third fan. “Thank you as always, Captain. You gave us everything we could have ever dreamed of,” added another.
However, other fans commented that Leo was simply tired and needed to cool down and rest, while another speculated about his future with the team until the next Copa Amrica.
What is certain is that this match will be more than special for Leo and his fans. Since making his debut for the Argentina national team in the historic match against Hungary on August 17, 2005, Messi has spent more than 20 years wearing his country’s colors. Well, the end may be near.
