The coach highlighted that all field players accumulated minutes in the group stage, praised Messi's commitment, and has already started to anticipate the match in the Round of 32 against the Africans
With the 3-1 victory over Jordan and the perfect score in the group stage, in the post-match press conference Lionel Scaloni gave a very positive assessment of the journey of the Argentine National Team so far in the 2026 World Cup, although he made it clear that starting from the match against Cape Verde in the Round of 16, the real challenge begins.
The assessment of the group stage
The native of Pujato highlighted that one of the main objectives in the first phase was achieved: giving minutes to all the outfield players in the squad. "The assessment, logically, after winning all three matches is positive. And, above all, because we have involved all the players, which was a goal we always set, because I believe that everyone deserves not only to enjoy coming to the World Cup but also to play in it. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to give them minutes and I think they have fulfilled because it was a difficult match", he analyzed.
He added: "It was a goal for today's match. I am very happy and it is a great pride to have used all the outfield players. We only missed the goalkeepers".
Next stop: Round of 16
Beyond the analysis of the first round, Scaloni made it clear that the National Team has already changed its focus and that the decisive stage of the World Cup begins.
Scaloni is already thinking about the Round of 32
"We must not get dizzy but keep playing, giving our best. This jersey always implies performing, trying to do the best possible and trying to win. They carry the competition inside. At least while I am here, it will be like that. The Argentine player is always committed to the jersey", he commented.
The physical condition of the squad
When asked about the situation of the players, Scaloni confirmed that only Cristian Romero continues to have discomfort: "The only player who was on the bench today but was not available was Cuti. We hope to recover him and, if not, another teammate will step in.
Scaloni hopes to have Cuti Romero available
"Now starting from the Round of 16, everything will change. We will play in Miami, in the heat, at a difficult time to understand, but everyone played at that time and we cannot complain. Aside from Cuti, the rest are fine and we have them available", he added.
The inevitable praise for Messi
Just like in the previous two post-match press conferences, once again the coach was asked about Lionel Messi, who came on from the bench and scored again. "What you see, I see too. It's a bit of an uncomfortable situation for me every time I'm asked that, because I don't know what else to say", he replied with a smile.
Despite not starting, Messi shone again with a goal
He then revealed a detail about the decision shared with the captain: "Today he could have played the full 90 minutes and, without disrespecting the opponent, enhance that legend, but he preferred that his teammates have minutes and think about what is coming. He doesn't think about those numbers that people talk so much about. I spoke with him and he said that the best thing was that. I agreed. That speaks to what the National Team, the group, and his teammates mean to him. That's really great".
The bet on Palacios and the joy for Lo Celso
One of the surprises of the match was the presence of Exequiel Palacios as a right back. Scaloni explained that the decision was related to the care of his full-backs. "Pala had been training there when Gonzalo was out for a few days after Algeria. We considered that it is a position where we need to have options", he detailed.
Scaloni was satisfied with Palacios' performance as a right back
When asked about the absence of Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, who naturally play as right backs, he responded: "We gave Nahuel, who was coming off a long break, some rest and I don't want to risk Gonzalo. I know that if I asked him, he would say yes, as always. Sometimes we have to think about a potential player who can perform in another position. We are satisfied with the choice because there is no easy match".
At the same time, he expressed special happiness for the debut as a starter and the goal of Giovani Lo Celso: "It's pointless for me to say that he is one of my favorites. He has been with us since day one, missed the last World Cup in a very harsh way, and we were waiting to give him that opportunity. He is an important kid who, although he wasn't in Qatar, came and was with us. Those are attitudes that one does not forget. Being able to give him the chance to play, do it well, and score a goal fills you even more. I am very happy for him because he contributed to the team".
Scaloni highlighted Lo Celso's night
The double 9 and the response of the forwards
Scaloni also explained why he chose to start Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together against Jordan, a duo he had used on rare occasions. "I preferred to play with those two, first to give Julián minutes, who had not been a starter and had come on in both matches. I always say that we need to find a balance", he commented.
Scaloni opted for the double 9 because the match allowed it
"Today the team could afford to play with those two. They had already done well, I remember the match against Paraguay. They can complement each other, but there are matches and matches and we cannot lose that balance because otherwise things happen that one does not like", he added.
The coach also valued the effort of both forwards and celebrated that they were able to score: "We tried to play with them, they had situations, they put in the work, and that is good. We had no doubts about Lautaro, Julián, or Lo Celso. The goal is always welcome, but they do an incredible job. Lautaro is doing a spectacular and very committed job. If they score goals, it's better for them and for the team".
What’s next: Cape Verde
Finally, Scaloni shared his analysis of the next opponent and avoided any excess confidence: "From what I observed, I was not surprised. They have made things difficult for all their opponents. It's pointless for me to say that they are not a tough opponent because that would be a lie. They are a tough opponent who will make things difficult for us".
Scaloni anticipated that Cape Verde will not be an easy opponent to chew on
"They already made it difficult for Spain, Uruguay couldn't beat them, and neither could Arabia. Especially considering what we are seeing in this World Cup, we need to be careful. They play well, have quality, are an intense and fast team. They will make things difficult for us", he concluded.
