An emotional Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi deserved a special reception when taking the field for likely his last competitive game on home soil for Argentina on Thursday, though he expressed hope that the legendary forward would get another chance to bid farewell to the Argentine fans before his retirement.

Messi, 38, has not yet announced when he plans to retire, but he confirmed last week that he expects Thursday's match with Venezuela in Buenos Aires to be his last time playing at home in a World Cup qualifier.

Asked about that prospect during his pregame news conference on Wednesday, Scaloni described the honour of coaching the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, with whom he won a World Cup title in 2022.

- Lionel Messi gets ovation at Argentina theatre show

- Sources: Arg

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