Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina national team held a training session ahead of their friendly against Zambia following their 2-1 win over Mauritania on Friday. However, what seemed like just another training session turned into an emotional moment.
After the session, a photo of Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi was released, and his expression stirred emotions among his Argentine fans amid a possible farewell to his homeland.
Messi brings fans to tears as Argentina goodbye nears
Although he has not yet officially confirmed his participation and has stated that everything will depend on how his body responds in the coming months, the 38-year-old idol could play in what will be his sixth and final World Cup, in the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 72 days.
Prior to the tournament, Leo participated in the friendly against Mauritania, coming off the bench. Now, Messi will start against Zambia at La Bombonera Stadium, and regardless of the result, it will be a historic and emotionally charged match, as already hinted at in the build-up.
Sitting on a cooler, silently watching his teammates during the Albiceleste’s most recent training session, Leo was photographed and stirred nostalgia among all the fans with his visibly emotional expressions.
And the fact is, this was likely his last training session at the Argentine National Team’s facility-a place where he spent more than twenty years, where he experienced the pain of defeat and the joy of glory, and which now bears his name following the victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Added to this is the near certainty that the match against Zambia will be the last game Lionel plays on home soil before the World Cup.
Amid this uncertainty about his presence in the tournament and his future after the event, fans did not hide their emotions:
“Every day closer to his retirement,” commented one of them alongside an emoji and a sad GIF. “Thank you, maestro, for everything,” wrote another.
“It’s hard to imagine the Albiceleste without Messi at the training ground… unforgettable,” said a third fan. “Thank you for everything, captain. You gave us everything we dreamed of,” added another.
However, other fans commented that Leo was just tired, cooling off, and resting, while another group of supporters speculated about Leo’s future with the team until the next Copa América.
What is certain is that this match will be more than special for Leo and his fans. Since his debut with the Argentine national team on August 17, 2005, in a historic match against Hungary, Messi has spent more than 20 years wearing his country’s colors. Now, the end may be near.
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