Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that Lionel Messi requested to be substituted during their 1-1 draw against Colombia on Tuesday, June 10, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. This incident occurred in a key World Cup Qualifiers match, highlighting Messi’s ongoing impact even when physical challenges arise.
The match saw Liverpool forward Luis Diaz score first at the 24th minute, assisted by Kevin Castano. A turning point came in the 71st minute when Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez received a red card following a tackle on Castano, leaving La Albiceleste with ten players. Shortly after this, Messi himself asked to be taken off the field, and Exequiel Palacios replaced him.
In the 81st minute, the substitute Palacios played a crucial role by assisting Thiago Almada’s equalizer for Argentina, securing a valuable point despite being a player down. After the final whistle, Scaloni confirmed Messi’s request to come off, which was linked to the intensified challenge following Fernandez’s dismissal.
Scaloni shared his thoughts on the substitution and the team’s resilience, stating:
“Leo wasn’t going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end. He (Messi) told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him. The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. This makes us very satisfied.”
— Lionel Scaloni, Argentina Coach
Despite being substituted in the 78th minute, Messi still dominated key statistics by completing seven successful dribbles, maintaining 80% passing accuracy, and attempting four shots, underscoring his vital contribution throughout the game.
Scaloni Emphasizes Argentina’s Strength Beyond Messi’s Presence
In his post-match reflections, Scaloni addressed the notion that Argentina relies solely on Lionel Messi. He emphasized that the team’s structure and effectiveness remain consistent, whether Messi is on the field or not. During March, Messi missed crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to injury, yet Argentina secured wins in both fixtures, advancing toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 37-year-old forward returned to the squad last week, featuring as a substitute in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile. Ahead of the match against Colombia, Scaloni confidently told reporters:
“The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo (Messi) or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past, as we had to change some players. But now we don’t have this necessity, and the team works in the same way, that’s good.”
— Lionel Scaloni, Argentina Coach
This statement highlights the team’s evolving depth and adaptability, which allow them to maintain high-level performances regardless of individual absences.
Messi’s Legacy and Ongoing Impact with Argentina
Lionel Messi’s career with Argentina has been extraordinary, spanning 193 appearances and totaling 112 goals. He has led the national team to win prestigious titles including the FIFA World Cup, two Copa America championships, the Finalissima, and an Olympic gold medal in 2008. His influence on La Albiceleste remains significant, both in scoring and in leadership.
Scaloni’s remarks and Messi’s recent substitution reveal how Argentina balances its reliance on its superstar with a strategic emphasis on teamwork and squad depth. As Argentina continues its pursuit of World Cup success, this approach could prove vital in navigating tough matches and player fitness challenges.