Kansas City [US], June 16 (HBTV): Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and defender Nicolas Otamendi highlighted the importance of World Cup-winning icon Lionel Messi in their side ahead of their FIFA World Cup campaign opener against Algeria on Tuesday.
Messi, who reached the pinnacle of football by winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, is once again the centre of attention as he aims to help Argentina retain the title in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
Ahead of the match, Scaloni said that 'everyone wants to see him on the pitch'.
'Not only Argentines, we believe everyone wants to see him on the pitch, wants to see him play,' Scaloni said, according to Reuters.
Messi missed Argentina's friendly against Honduras on June 6, which the defending champions won 2-0, but returned as a substitute in their 3-0 victory over Iceland last week, scoring from the penalty spot.
Scaloni dismissed concerns that the 38-year-old could be a burden on the team, saying Messi has always been 'fundamental' to Argentina, even while managing fatigue and fitness-related issues.
'He has always been there, and he has always been fundamental for us. And now even more so,' the coach said.
Messi's long-time teammate Otamendi also reflected on his journey alongside the Argentine captain, describing him as 'the best player in history' and a 'competitive animal'.
'We have lived many beautiful moments together,' said the defender.
'He is a simple person who enjoys training camps and practices, and prepares himself for that. He is also a competitive animal. That pushes you to keep trying, not to relax, to try to be alongside him, to support him and help him,' he said.
Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 28 in Group J.
A fourth World Cup title would further cement Argentina's place among the most successful teams in the tournament's history.
(ANI)