Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid his respects to 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez after asking about Lionel Messi playing in the final group-stage match at the FIFA World Cup. The 48-year-old said he would not have revealed his plans about the national team captain if the question had come from any other reporter.
Ahead of the Jordan match at the FIFA World Cup, reports emerged that Messi would be benched as the defending champions had already sealed qualification and the top spot in the group.
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The 39-year-old was going to be rested ahead of the knockout stages, where they have Cape Verde first up in the Round of 32.
Marquez, who is covering his 18th FIFA World Cup, was among the journalists covering the pre-match press conference when he asked:
“Let me ask you… will Messi play against Jordan or not?”
Scaloni was quick to admit that he was not planning to answer the question before coming in, but was unable to bring himself to deny the 91-year-old an answer. He said:
“I’d never reply to any journalist on this topic now… but it is coming from you, and so I tell you: Messi will not start. I respect you too much, I’m proud to see you here.”
Lionel Scaloni met with the 91-year-old journalist after the press conference and posed for a photo. He also checked in and spoke with the Argentine before leaving the room.
Cape Verde star looking forward to facing Lionel Messi at FIFA World Cup
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha spoke to the media after they sealed their qualification for the knockout stages. He admitted that it was a dream to face Lionel Messi and Argentina, the side they face in the Round of 32.
He added that the squad had not dreamt of making it past the group stage in their debut tournament and said:
“None of us dreamed of this, but we know we have quality and, when we got to the World Cup, perhaps many thought we wouldn’t win any games. We have a great team and quality players. It’s gratifying to have qualified for the next phase, and facing Argentina will be very good. It’s a dream for any footballer to play against Argentina and Lionel Messi.”
Lionel Messi has five goals in his opening two matches and is leading the Golden Boot race. He has also broken the record for most goals in FIFA World Cup history.
Edited by Sripad