The coach of the Argentine National Team avoided revealing the lineup to face Algeria, spoke about the players arriving with discomfort, and emphasized that the Albiceleste must focus on playing well to defend the world title
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Hours before the debut of the Argentine National Team in the 2026 World Cupagainst Algeria, Lionel Scaloni held his last press conference before the debut and provided insights about the team's condition, the opponent, tactical variations, and the challenge of starting the defense of the title won in Qatar 2022.
After some words from Nicolás Otamendi, the coach began by highlighting that the experience gained in the last World Cup allows him to face this start with greater calm, although without losing the excitement that comes with representing the country. "We have the experience from the last World Cup and the first match is not fundamental: it is important, but not everything ends in the first match. We are well, calm, we are going to face a good team. We are confident and we arrive at a good moment", he assured.
The team, between mystery and good news
As usual, Scaloni avoided confirming the starting lineup. He even revealed that he had not yet communicated the decision to the players themselves. "I haven't told the boys yet. Emiliano is fine, if everything goes like yesterday or the day before, he will play. The rest will know tomorrow or after training", he explained.
Dibu Martínez will be a starter against Algeria
The coach also reassured regarding the players who were dealing with some physical discomfort. Among them, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez. "What I said about Leo still stands: everyone wants to see him on the field. It's what he generates for everyone and for me it will always be that way. I see nothing negative about him being on the field. He has always been fundamental and now even more".
Regarding the Atlético de Madrid forward, he added: "Julián had the ankle problem and we were taking care of him, his recovery has paid off and he is available for tomorrow". He also made it clear that the medical outlook has improved considerably in recent days. "We will see if Tagliafico trains with the group today, but everyone is fine, the injured players are no longer here".
The tactical variations that Argentina tested
During the preparation, the Albiceleste practiceddifferent playing systems and one of the questions revolves around the possibility of using a three-defender line.
Scaloni tested different formations before the debut
Scaloni confirmed that this alternative was worked on, although he clarified that the team's identity will not change. "We always try out variations. These are situations that can occur from the start or during the match and it is important that the boys can do it. We have tested the three-defender line. The essence of the team will remain the same, it will not change, butit is true that we have tried all those options".
The analysis of Algeria
Far from underestimating the opponent, the Argentine coach highlighted the strengths of the African team and compared it to one of the teams that has complicated the powers in recent years. "Algeria is a rival similar to Morocco, they play quite similarly, with great players and a good coach. The Brazil-Morocco match is a good example. We have already seen the match against Spain, there is no easy rival".
Scaloni compared Algeria to Morocco and stated that it will be a tough opponent
And he elaborated: "Algeria worries us because it is a great team. It will be a good test. They have a lot of muscle, a lot of physicality. They played with a three-man line, a four-man line, and we will see how they play tomorrow. It is a good team that will make things very difficult for us".
The pressure of another World Cup and the message to the squad
Scaloni recalled that one of the key points of the cycle was to relieve pressure from the players so they could perform naturally in the most important moments. "It remains a very important sport for us. I believe this National Team reached this situation in recent years because we relieved the pressure and the burden. Those were the pillars that allowed us to go out on the field and play calmly", he stated.
For Scaloni, the best aspect of the players emerges when they play with little pressure
In the same vein, he emphasized that the result should never be above the team's effort: "The most important thing is that after the match we feel proud that the team gave its all. There is an opponent in front and it has its merit. It is a sport, even if it is a World Cup".
The excitement of facing a new World Cup
Although he has already gone through similar experiences, the coach acknowledged that each World Cup generates a special sensitivity. "I feel the same as the first day I took over, nothing has changed at all. Balance is the right word. We are neither more nor less than anyone".
Scaloni maintains the same hope
However, he admitted that the excitement continues to grow over the years. "Time will pass and the coach of the Argentine National Team always has to convey this excitement. You are representing your country. I feel like I did the first time and even worse because I get more emotional every time".
The recipe to defend the title
Finally, Scaloni left a reflection on how Argentina should approach the tournament if it wants to compete for the World Cup again. "It is true that personality alone is not enough, you have to play well. We are a team that if we don't play well, we suffer. It's not just about grit. Grit helps you pull through a match, but the main thing is to play well".
