Coach Lionel Scaloni of the world champion Argentina team has cited Lionel Messi’s playing style as an illustration to express his concern that the beauty of modern football could be killed.

In an interview with Marca, coach Scaloni criticized the overuse of tactics in football today, telling GOAL: “Of course, when players play tactically mechanically, the world will no longer have good dribblers. No one dares to hold the ball and dribble because as soon as they receive the ball, their teammates tell them to pass it.

Imagine if Messi had been told by coaches at the age of eight: “Pass it” all the time, the world of football might not have seen his brilliance today. Football without Messi would lack appeal. The sport has become such a big deal, when everyone reads, studies and thinks they can control everything with dry tactics.”

The Argentine coach continued his analysis: “If a coach advises a 7 or 8-year-old child to pass the ball immediately and not to dribble, it is ridiculous, it is killing football. Let the child play football, let the young player make mistakes, and when he is 14 or 15, we will start to correct his mistakes. This is a message for the future. Football is a creative sport of the individual and its beauty should not be lost.”

Coach Scaloni is concerned that individual creativity is being stifled and that football will lose its appeal without a player as good as Messi. Photo: GETTY.

The world champion’s coach also pointed out that for children around 12 or 13 years old, playing football and having fun should take precedence over tactical discipline: “For example, with children when they are 12 or 13 years old, they have to play football and show their skills. Coaches should not over-train them, because this will take away the child’s instinct and thinking about playing football. When players do not have a comfortable thinking about playing football, there will be no more outstanding individuals like Messi.”

And under Scaloni’s guidance, Argentina have enjoyed success in recent years, winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The team is preparing to defend their Copa America trophy this summer.

Meanwhile, stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are about to face each other at the Riyadh Season Cup 2024 in club colors, which could also be the last time the two icons of world football play on the same field on February 1.

Messi and Ronaldo will meet at the Riyadh Season Cup on February 1. Photo: GETTY.

Earlier, Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo shared a positive message about his injury on social media , implying that he will be back in action soon. This comforted fans who were looking forward to seeing him play against Inter Miami, and face long-time rival Lionel Messi.

Most recently, Al Nassr had to cancel their tour of China due to Ronaldo’s injury. This has understandably raised doubts about his participation in the much-anticipated match at the Riyadh Season Cup. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner sent out an Instagram post, saying he is ready to take on Messi. He shared a photo greeting Al Nassr fans with the caption: “See you soon!”.

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