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Lionel Scaloni tends to be thoughtful about many things, but especially when the subject turns to another Lionel – a much more famous one, arguably the most famous athlete in the world, and one whom the Argentine coach has the opportunity to see daily.
You see, Scaloni has watched Lionel Messi for much of his life. Both hail from Argentina’s Santa Fe province, Scaloni from the small town of Pujato and Messi from the much larger Rosario. Both of their paths were through Newell’s Old Boys, the historic club that gave birth to players like Maxi Rodriguez, Gabriel Batistuta and current American coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
So when Scaloni talks about Messi’s legacy, it’s worth listening to.
“Not only the Argentine population, but everyone, the entire planet, wants to see him play,” Scaloni explained. “Everyone wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an impact not only on Argentinian fans but also on fans around the world.”
These fans will probably have their last chance to see Messi wear his light blue striped shirt during the match. World Cup starting Tuesday night, when the defending champions open their tournament against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring problem before the World Cup, but appeared comfortable on the rare occasions journalists witnessed training. And in last week’s tune-up against Iceland at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, he entered the game as a second-half substitute, scored moments later on a penalty kick and played 20 minutes without any issues.
So, barring any unforeseen event, Messi – who has yet to speak publicly since the national team assembled for the World Cup about two weeks ago – will win his 200th cap in his match against the Fennecs.
“There’s nothing negative to say,” Scaloni said. “He has always been there and he is essential for us. He will remain so.”
Everyone wants to be part of Messi Mania
Tapash Chakraborty, 57, owner of a technical design company, stationed himself in a bar in Kansas City on Monday, hoping to see an Argentine player at a meeting organized about 24 hours before the match.
He had one in particular he wanted to see.
“Messi is Messi,” said Chakraborty, who will be in the stands on Tuesday. “He’s the god of football.”
He wasn’t alone either. The room was full of Messi jerseys, just like the streets at the start of the World Cup. His famous number 10 is omnipresent, whether on his old Barcelona jersey, his current Inter Miami kit or that of the national team.
Stories related to Argentina
“We’re all Messi fans. He’s the best player in the world,” said Michelle Lemmon, who traveled 155 miles (257.50 kilometers) Monday with her four children from her home in Kirksville, Mo., to Union Station in Kansas City to celebrate her 42nd birthday.
Lemmon, who played college soccer at a Catholic school after serving as captain of his high school’s men’s team, will cheer for the United States throughout the tournament. But her dream match, Lemmon said, would be for the Americans to face Argentina in the final.
“It’s tough. You have to love it,” Lemmon said. “I’m nervous about this being his last World Cup, so we’re very excited. Honored that they chose Kansas City as their home base. To have the World Cup champions here, you know, starting in 2022, it’s amazing.”
Messi seeks to join Pele as repeat world champions
The list of the greatest soccer players in history often starts with Messi and ends with Pelé, the Brazilian star who not only led Brazil to World Cup glory but was also instrumental in the development of soccer in the United States during his time with the New York Cosmos.
What would bind the two even more? Argentina successfully defends its title.
Only twice before had a nation won the World Cup again. Italy did it in the 1930s and Brazil in 1962, when, despite Pele’s injury in the group stage, Canarinho beat Czechoslovakia in the final in Chile.
France came close to three repeat victories, but Argentina denied that four years ago in a shootout in Qatar.
“What happened in Qatar was simply incredible. The whole country was united,” recalled Nicolas Otamendi, Messi’s long-time national teammate. “We have that engraved in our minds, and it just gave us the strength to keep trying. There is no letting up. We have to continue to work with that level of humility that is required in these types of competitions.”
There are few superstars more humble than Messi, who Otamendi described as “a simple man who only focuses on training.”
“It’s also a competitive animal,” Otamendi said. “You want to be there with him, supporting him, serving him and laughing our hearts out all the time. Like I said, when the ball is rolling, that’s when we need to push and come together and come together as a family on the field.”
Associated Press reporting.
