Lionel Scaloni Watches Messi Play for Inter Miami Ahead of Argentina’s World Cup Qualifier: Video

• Lionel Scaloni watched Lionel Messi play in the Leagues Cup against Charlotte FC on Friday
• The Argentina coach was seen talking to Messi’s mother during the quarterfinal match
• Messi and Scaloni led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Lionel Messi had a special guest on Friday night, with Lionel Scaloni in attendance for Inter Miami’s clash against Charlotte FC.

The Argentina coach was seen in the stands talking to Messi’s mother as they watched the Leagues Cup quarterfinal.

Scaloni surely had an eye for the Argentine players in action, with Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador set to take place on September 7.

It was a reunion of sorts for Scaloni as he got to spend some time again with Messi's family.

Scaloni spoke about Messi in an interview with ESPN, saying:

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"I’m here to watch Leo with my family. I see him very happy here, and when he’s happy, he does things differently compared to everyone else.”

Messi is unstoppable

Messi has been on fire for Inter Miami, scoring eight goals in his first five Leagues Cup matches.

He had a debut to remember for the Herons, scoring the match-winning goal in the 94th minute against Cruz Azul. Messi curled in a free kick from 25 yards out into the top corner to give Inter Miami a dramatic 2-1 win.

He continued banging in the goals in their game against Atlanta United, scoring twice in the opening 22 minutes.

Messi also registered an assist in their 4-0 win.

He registered another double in the round of 32 against Orlando City, scoring a pair of close-range volleys in their 3-1 win.

Messi added two more goals in Inter Miami’s come-from-behind win over FC Dallas in the round of 16, scoring in the sixth and 85th minutes.

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He also scored a late goal against Charlotte FC on Friday to complete a 4-0 rout, per ESPN.

Scaloni wants Messi back

With Messi back to his best, Scaloni is hoping that he can entice the Argentine legend to join the national team again.

Messi’s international future has been up in the air since winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last December.

Scaloni has made no secret of his desire to welcome Messi back to La Albiceleste.

The 36-year-old said in a recent interview that he would not be taking part in the 2026 World Cup, per Goal.com.

Messi delivers again

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi's goal against Charlotte FC.

Messi scored a close-range strike in the 86th minute after receiving a cross from Leonardo Campana.

He has found the back of net in each of his first five games for the Herons.