"Messi is the best in the world. Why wouldn't I want to coach him?"
Diego Simeone heaped praise on his fellow countryman and admits he would love to coach him one day
They've always said that Diego Simeone and Lionel Messi were like chalk and cheese. However, the Atletico Madrid coach came out in support of the forward for returning to international duty under Lionel Scaloni.
In an interview with TyC Sports, Simeone spoke about the possibility of coaching Argentina one day and, with that, perhaps finally getting to work with Lionel Messi.
"They've never offered me the Argentina job," Simeone confirmed. "In terms of sentiment, I want to coach Argentina now. But there are a lot of things you have to evaluate. Right now, we want to change the history of Atletico Madrid." Simeone admits he feels very comfortable in his position, despite rumours of a possible switch to Inter Milan a year ago.
However, he wouldn't rule out managing his country further down the line. "The moment will come where I could coach Argentina. It's a dream of mine that I hope comes true. Nowadays I prefer working as a coach day in, day out. In another moment I might feel differently."
The fact he's in no rush to launch himself into international management means it is unlikely he'll ever get to coach Leo Messi, although he would for that to happen before he retires from the game. Simeone has often defended Messi from the criticism he faces from back home.
"Messi carried the weight of the team in the Copa America. I won't comment on his declarations and all that, as everyone is free to think how they want. In this case, I felt he acted like a leader."
"Everyone has their moments. Messi, in this case, managed his leadership in a distinctive way to before," Simeone explained. "Messi is the best player in the world. How could I not want to coach him?!"
What does appear clear is that their paths will never cross at club level.
Topics with the letter
