How I Got Messi to Come Back for His Goodbye Match, Scaloni

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has shared how he got Lionel Messi to return to the national team for a farewell match after Messi's retirement from international football.

Scaloni believes a player like Messi deserves a proper farewell from his fans in Argentina.

According to Reuters on Thursday, Scaloni told reporters he played a key role in getting Messi back, with support from the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

The Argentina coach is happy with Messi's choice to take part in the farewell match. He said the event would be a chance to celebrate the legendary player.

"I think a player like him deserves this. Personally, I did my part. We pushed for him to be able to play in this match," Scaloni said.

"We knew everything he was going through, but even so, he wanted to come and say goodbye to his people. I think if we’re going to pay tribute to him, it has to be now.

"I talked to him and tried to convince him that this is the right time, as we cannot know what will happen in the future.

"The AFA and its president also did their part. This means a lot, and he deserves it."

Messi announced he was stepping back from international football after Argentina lost to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.

The loss hit him hard. He took time to think before making his decision public while also mourning the death of his father.

Scaloni said the farewell match will let Messi say goodbye to his fans in Argentina and let them honor his time with the national team.