Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has called for a rebuild of the national team following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
Scaloni made the call after Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in a friendly, their first match since Messi’s retirement.
The Inter Miami forward called time on his international career after scoring and providing two assists in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin on October 7. He leaves behind a legacy that includes two Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Uruguay raced into a 2-0 lead before Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but Argentina could not find an equaliser.
“We have to rebuild without Leo Messi, and we have the talent to bounce back from this loss. The match was good, beyond the final result; we performed well in the second half.”
“It gives me things to analyze. We knew it would be difficult, and now we have to keep working” Scaloni said after the loss.
In the lead up to the game, Scaloni extended his contract to 2030.
