Lionel Scaloni backed the players ahead of the clash with Egypt: "I believe that Argentina's level is acceptable"

The Argentine National Team will face a new challenge this Tuesday in the 2026 World Cup when they meet Egypt in the round of 16. In the press conference following the last training session, Lionel Scaloni reviewed the current state of the Albiceleste, discussed the team's performance in the tournament, analyzed the African team, and confirmed the return of Leandro Paredes to the starting lineup.

The National Team's Balance in the World Cup

When asked about the level shown by Argentina so far, Scaloni considered that the context of the World Cup has affected all teams and that none of the powerhouses have managed to maintain their pre-tournament performance.

"I think this World Cup is being complicated for everyone. The other day it seemed that France was a fearsome opponent, it still is, but against Paraguay it was tough. Now we saw Spain against Portugal, which I think they won well, but it was also tough until the last minute. In other words, there are no teams that have maintained what they were doing before the World Cup, because the opponents play, because it is very difficult", he analyzed.

In that sense, he also pointed to the physical wear that players have been accumulating: "In my opinion, I think that the players, the vast majority of those who have played many matches this year, are feeling it and that's why I think the level is not what we are used to".

Nonetheless, he expressed satisfaction with the Albiceleste's journey. "I think Argentina's level is acceptable, we have won all four matches and I think that is something to be satisfied with. As always, there are things to correct, even when winning", he assured.

Brazil's Elimination and the Warning About Egypt

When asked about Brazil's surprising elimination, Scaloni reiterated the enormous parity that exists in this World Cup. "Norway is a very good team. I think if Endrick scores that ball, with 0-0 today we would be talking about something else. That is the reality of football and they were eliminated just as it could have happened to us the other day and as it can happen to most teams, but I think they faced a great rival", he stated.

From that example, he shifted the analysis to Argentina's next opponent and warned: "We are, as we said the other day about Cape Verde, alert because Egypt is also a good rival".

The Football Identity of the National Team

Scaloni was also asked about the identity that the National Team has regained during his tenure and explained that the team knows how to adapt when the game does not flow.

"This selection has been playing for years after winning the World Cup as a candidate wherever it goes, it has always played well. And I believe that when things don't go your way or the opponent puts you in difficulty, there is not just one way to go and win", he affirmed.

He then elaborated on one of the virtues he values most in the squad: "If things don't go well playing nicely or connecting passes, there are many ways: with grit, with intensity, with heart, with this spirit that we all carry within us. And the team has that".

He even stated that this aspect was decisive in overcoming Cape Verde. "I was convinced that if the other day the team did not show that temperament, we would be out, for sure, because they made things difficult for us", he emphasized.

When explaining how he tries to convey that mentality, he recalled: "How did we do it? By telling them to play as they did in their neighborhood, at home, in their local team. When they didn't have the ball, to try to recover it. Sometimes tactics are set aside, strategy is set aside because when you can't, you have to break the scheme in some way".

And he concluded: "We are fortunate that these kids always give that extra of temperament, of wanting not to lose".

Messi and the Challenge Egypt Represents

Regarding Lionel Messi's physical condition, Scaloni reassured despite the extra time played against Cape Verde. "I think Leo is fine. He didn't mention anything despite playing 120 minutes the other day and being 39 years old. And if he has something, he didn't tell me, so he will play anyway", he commented with a smile.

He then praised Egypt and highlighted the work their coach has been doing. "It is a very good selection because besides having quality players, they have a coach who has been working with them for a long time, has a clear idea of play, and plays well", he explained.

About the opponent, he added: "They have complicated all their rivals and tomorrow they will do the same. They are a complicated opponent".

What Argentina Seeks to Improve

Thinking about the round of 16, Scaloni explained which football aspects he aims to correct. "The idea is to resume, beyond dominating the match, which we also did against Cape Verde, not to have those transitions that they may have had", he pointed out.

In that line, he detailed that he seeks for the team to regain more control of matches through possession. "We are a team that defends with the ball, to be a bit sharper in that aspect, not to make the play so quickly when recovering the ball, not to try to reach the goal in one or two touches before connecting five or six passes", he described.

Salah, Marmoush, and the Defensive Plan

When asked about Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, the coach made it clear that Argentina will maintain its playing style. "Salah is a great player, it will be a pleasure to face him. The team has played against great players and we have always taken precautions at the collective level, because they are a good team", he affirmed.

Additionally, he ruled out changing the scheme due to the presence of those figures. "The team we put out will be more or less similar to what we have been doing and yes, it is true that we are careful with those players, but we are not going to change the scheme initially", he explained.

He also pointed out a difference between Egypt and Cape Verde: the defense: "I think Egypt does not play as defensively, it is a team that is built differently, it is a team that attacks and is quite different", he assured.

The Reason for Leandro Paredes' Return

Scaloni confirmed that Leandro Paredes will return to the starting team and explained why Alexis Mac Allister occupied that position for much of the tournament. "Leandro came injured, simple. There is no other interpretation", he responded when asked about the change in midfield. He then highlighted the midfielder's effort to reach the World Cup: "He made a tremendous effort to arrive".

About Mac Allister, he explained: "we believed that the ideal substitute was Alexis because Enzo was playing at a higher level in his team". "Alexis has made a tremendous effort to play there because it is not his position and he has done it magnificently well", he added later.

He later praised Paredes again and explained his importance in the collective functioning: "When the ball goes through him, it is well distributed, the team feels comfortable, and we find players at different heights with a much more vertical pass. For us, he remains a fundamental player".

The Physical Wear and the Organization of the World Cup

The coach reiterated his concern about the tournament's schedule, although he clarified that it is not an exclusive criticism of Argentina's situation. "I think that the closer you get to the end, the more rest you need for logical reasons", he opined.

As an example, he recalled the effort made in the last matches: "We played the other day in Miami, everyone knows the temperature we faced, and we play tomorrow at noon".

In that context, he announced that he will manage the squad's loads: "We will try to have some of those kids play so that we can be a bit fresher and have on the bench those kids who have played some matches".

How the Coaching Staff Prepares for the Match

Scaloni shared that the climatic difficulties and travel delays altered the usual planning of the last days. "These days have been different because we haven't had much time and in the middle the problem of the weather and the slightly delayed travel", he explained.

For this reason, he noted that the work focused more on analysis than on field training: "We prioritized recovery and the training sessions have been much shorter than one might expect. So we emphasized analyzing videos, showing images, holding meetings and talks to know what we are going to encounter".

Spain, the Favorites, and a Possible Matchup in the Final

Regarding the level of the main teams in the tournament, Scaloni insisted that none have managed to impose themselves clearly. "No one has made a huge difference, but in the end, those will arrive", he predicted.

Finally, when asked about a hypothetical final between Argentina and Spain, he responded with a smile: "If it happens to be the final, I hope so. I would sign for it. We will try. They still have a path to take and we still have one more step, so let's hope".