Scaloni before the match against Austria: support for Messi, analysis of the opponent, and the keys to the World Cup

After the resounding 3-0 against Algeria in the debut of the 2026 World Cup, with a hat-trick from Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni held an extensive press conference ahead of the match against Austria for the second match of Group J. The coach spoke about the situation the captain faced in recent days, analyzed the upcoming opponent, explained how hydration breaks impact matches, and shared several reflections on his team's performance.

Messi's personal situation and the group's support

The conference began with a question about the fake news involving Jorge Messi, the father of the Argentine captain. Scaloni did not hide his annoyance at the topic and responded with irony: "Did we have to start with this question at the beginning of the press conference?.” Nevertheless, he reassured everyone by stating that "the team is fine" and that everyone is focused on the commitment against Austria.

Later, he indirectly referred to Messi again and highlighted the role the group plays in complex moments. He explained that the squad always understood that both good and bad situations are better faced together. “We firmly believe that the group is what gets through both good and bad situations,” he affirmed, before emphasizing that "it's always better to experience good or bad situations alongside a friend".

Without wanting to delve too deeply into the matter, he added that everyone within the national team feels that mutual support and concluded the topic by stating that "we are well and prepared for the match".

Austria, a demanding rival for Argentina

Regarding the next opponent, Scaloni assured that he expects a very complicated match. He defined Austria as "a difficult rival", with quality players, capable of pressing high and with a marked offensive proposal. "It’s a vertical team, they have had a great qualification and we have been watching them as a rival to take into account", he explained.

The coach also considered that the fact that both teams won their first match could enhance the spectacle. "Both of us have won our first match, that might help make the spectacle even better,” he pointed out.

At the same time, he took the opportunity to highlight a trend he has been observing throughout the tournament. "What we are seeing in the World Cup is that there are no easy matches,” he noted, while emphasizing the historical difficulty of the group stage.

The effect of hydration breaks

One of the topics he elaborated on was the impact of hydration breaks implemented due to high temperatures. Scaloni explained that these breaks end up functioning as small intermissions within each half, as they allow for correcting tactical aspects and modifying issues that are detected during the course of the match.

"Everything that I have in mind can change based on what happens in those 22 or 23 minutes,” he explained. He also mentioned that the coaching staff has analysts who work in real-time and that during those interruptions solutions are sought to quickly communicate to the players.

He even acknowledged that it is still difficult to get used to this format. "It feels strange to adapt to that,” he admitted, and assured that matches end up being much more interrupted than usual. In his view, these breaks can completely change the course of a match because they offer an extra opportunity to correct mistakes.

A World Cup difficult to decipher

The coach also revealed that he follows almost all the matches of the World Cup. He even mentioned that before entering the conference, he was watching the end of the match between Uruguay and Cape Verde.

Scaloni acknowledged that the tournament is presenting scenarios that are difficult to interpret and stated that "it’s a bit tricky to know where the World Cup is heading". For the coach, surprises and unexpected results have been a constant, which is why he believes that "the statistics in the end are quite misleading".

The explanation about the retreat against Algeria

Scaloni was also asked about some moments of the match against Algeria where Argentina gave up ground and was forced to defend closer to their area. Far from considering it a problem, he explained that it is part of the logic of football. "In the end, the opponent plays and the opponent puts you under pressure,” he affirmed.

For the coach, there are moments when the opponent manages to impose themselves, and in those cases, the team must know how to adapt. "You have to dig in, you have to defend. You can’t always impose your game,” he maintained. In that sense, he particularly valued the reaction capacity of his players. "The important thing is that the team reacts when that happens, and that is what reassures me,” he assured.

What has changed since Qatar 2022

When analyzing the evolution of the National Team since winning the World Cup in Qatar, Scaloni stated that the team has maintained the line that led them to success, although they have incorporated new tools and variations. Among them, he particularly highlighted the growth of Thiago Almada, whom he defined as a player capable of providing more imbalance in one-on-one situations. He also valued the presence of alternatives like Giuliano Simeone, Nico González, and Nico Paz.

Additionally, he emphasized that, despite the passage of time, the world champions still maintain their ambition: "The team has shown a desire to always improve or at least know what they are playing for, and that is the most important thing we have achieved. They have not let up, we have tried to improve the team.”

The intensity in the World Cup and Ancelotti's reading

When asked about statements made by Carlo Ancelotti that were interpreted as a criticism of Argentina's intensity, Scaloni downplayed any controversy and defended the Italian coach. "I understood very well what he meant. Those who understand, understand very well, and he said it in a good way,” he explained, making it clear that, in his opinion, it was more of a compliment than a criticism. In that line, he insisted: "He put us in a good light… it was more of a compliment than a criticism, because that’s how I understand it, and I’m sure, absolutely sure of that.”

Beyond that interpretation, the coach also reflected on what intensity means today in the context of the World Cup. He pointed out that matches are heavily influenced by heat, fatigue, and the accumulation of games, which reduces sustained high pressing. "We are seeing that there are not many teams that are going to press high one-on-one,” he explained, adding that many teams become strong in the midfield, where "the match is being decided a lot.”

In that context, he considered that it is still difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the tournament's trend. "The one with three forwards is strong, the one that defends with five, the one that defends with four,” he exemplified, before emphasizing that "it’s still early to analyze where the World Cup is going,” although he did express confidence that the stronger teams will ultimately prevail.

The physical condition of the squad

Scaloni also referred to the physical condition of his players and the demands posed by the calendar leading up to the World Cup. He acknowledged that it is very difficult for players to arrive at 100% of their capabilities, not only for the Argentine National Team but for all participating teams.

"It’s difficult for them to be at 100, not just the Argentines,” he explained, and emphasized that what matters is that the players arrive in their best possible version given the accumulated fatigue. In that sense, he considered that the squad is in good overall condition: "The important thing is that they arrive at the maximum of their possibilities.”

Finally, he stressed that, despite some minor inconveniences, all the summoned players are available. "All 26 are here, and that’s good,” he concluded, leaving the final decision on the lineup for the match against Austria open.

Compliments for Spain

The Argentine coach also dedicated some remarks to Spain, one of the title contenders and a possible rival for Argentina in the Round of 16. The native of Pujato stated that he followed their last match from the gym during the Albiceleste training and assured that he was not surprised by the victory against Saudi Arabia. He even went further by stating that he also did not find the unexpected draw in the debut against Cape Verde fair.

“It’s a team that has shown that it is doing well,” he highlighted. And he did not hesitate to place it among the main contenders for the crown by stating that “they will be in the final fight.”

The weak points he is still looking to correct

In the final part of the conference, Scaloni made it clear that, despite the resounding victory against Algeria, the team