Argentina faces a pivotal doubleheader of World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. These matches could secure Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a press conference just 24 hours before the match against Uruguay, coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the team’s preparations, highlighting the absences of key players and the opportunities presented to emerging talent. His comments highlighted the team’s preparedness for these high-stakes matches.
Scaloni expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to perform well against Uruguay, despite several absences. He stated: “I have 90% of the team. Now, in the last training session, I’m going to finish defining it. There are some doubts, especially in midfield, where the level of the boys allows us to play with options. With the number of players cautioned, we cannot afford to save so many, although there may be some nuance in the choice.”
Scaloni acknowledged Argentina’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in their last encounter, stating: “We re-analyzed that match. No two matches are ever the same, but we can take note of what happened and what we have to do to make it difficult for them.”
He highlighted Uruguay’s strengths, emphasizing the need for a strong defensive performance and the opportunity for younger players to showcase their abilities. He noted that these upcoming matches would be an important opportunity for the team to prove its capabilities.
Dealing with key absences and the importance of youth
Scaloni addressed the absences of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Paulo Dybala due to injuries. He expressed disappointment at Messi’s absence but emphasized the team’s capacity to adapt.
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He highlighted the opportunity for younger players to step up, stating: “If today it’s the youngsters who have to play, they will play. We have no problem with that.”
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He also praised the contributions of Giuliano Simeone, Santiago Castro, and Benjamín Domínguez. He stressed that the team remains focused on qualifying for the World Cup. His comments suggest that he is prioritizing the team’s overall cohesion and effectiveness while also acknowledging the importance of integrating new players into the team.
