The Argentine National Team will begin its journey in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup this Friday when they face Cape Verde in the Round of 32. In the press conference prior to the match, Lionel Scaloni analyzed the current state of his team, highlighted the strengths of the opponent, spoke about the support of the fans, Lionel Messi and the main contenders for the title.
Before starting with the football-related answers, the coach took a moment to send his condolences to the families of the four young people who died in the tragic traffic accident that occurred in Casilda, a town near Pujato, his hometown.
Already focused on the match against the Africans, Scaloni assured that the Albiceleste arrives with hope to this new stage, although he made it clear that there will be no room for relaxation in a knockout match. "We are well, logically excited like everyone else, but there is an opponent to face, one that must be respected, an opponent that has done things very well. The margin is now smaller, it's a match where the loser goes home and we take that into account, but we are in a good moment", he commented.
Additionally, he pointed out that equality has been a constant in the World Cup: "We are seeing very close matches, except for a few like France or even Mexico, which I think have won their matches very well. There were others that were very tight and I think it won't be easy. That is the reality".
The analysis of Cape Verde
Regarding Argentina's next match, Scaloni made it clear that he does not underestimate his opponent and highlighted several of their strengths. "It is a team that has not lost. Even in some matches, like against Saudi Arabia, I think they deserved to win. Against Spain and Uruguay, they may have suffered a bit more, but they defended well", he stated.
On the characteristics of the African team, he explained: "They cover the interior passes well and then counterattack very effectively. And they have players with good skills. It's a good team. We had already seen them, not because we are facing them now, but we were analyzing them because they were a possible opponent. In the end, they advanced and it doesn't surprise us, honestly. It's a good team and it's not just by chance. We must respect them and that is what we will do", he explained.
The unconditional support of the Argentine public
When asked about the massive support from Argentine fans in the United States, the coach acknowledged that this backing represents an extra motivation for the squad. "The Argentine fans have always been a plus for the player. I don't know if this team conveys something more. I couldn't tell you that, but it is true that we love the support, it gives us a boost, it gives us something more", he said.
Moreover, he emphasized the commitment of his players: "The players are just another fan playing with the jersey, that is more than evident and we feel that support. For us, it is a reinforcement, it is never a pressure. On the contrary, we hope tomorrow they give us that support we need in a match that will be difficult and that they enjoy watching their team. Hopefully, they will take home some joy".
The possible physical demands on Messi
Regarding the possibility of the match extending beyond 90 minutes and Lionel Messi's physical condition, the coach avoided making predictions: "If we consider whether the match will go longer... we will see. It doesn't make much sense to answer now if I don't know how the match will be, if I don't know how he will be".
He added: "We approach the match in the best way and with the seriousness that the opponent deserves. Then we will see how the match unfolds. It is very difficult to predict what can happen".
