Argentina’s national team is preparing for a do-or-die clash this Tuesday in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. On the eve of the match against Egypt, Lionel Scaloni broke his silence and made statements that sparked controversy. The coach came out to support his players and assured that the team’s level is acceptable, despite the criticism pouring in from all sides.
«I think this World Cup is proving difficult for everyone,» Scaloni began in a press conference. He cited France, which struggled to beat Paraguay, and Spain, which only managed to overcome Portugal in the last minute. «There are no teams that have maintained what they were doing before the World Cup, because the opponents play, because it’s very hard,» he justified.
The coach also pointed to the physical wear and tear on players coming off an exhausting season. «In my opinion, the vast majority of players who have played many games this year are feeling it. That’s why I think the level is not what we are used to,» he explained. But it wasn’t all excuses: «I think Argentina’s level is acceptable; we’ve won all four games, and that’s something to be satisfied with. As always, there are things to correct, even when you win.»
One of the hottest topics was Brazil’s elimination at the hands of Norway. Scaloni did not hold back: «Norway is a very good team. I think if Endrick had scored that goal, with 0-0 today we’d be talking about something else. That’s the reality of football, and they got eliminated just like it could have happened to us the other day.» He warned: «We are, as we said the other day about Cape Verde, alert because Egypt is also a good opponent.»
The coach also addressed the identity of the team, that fighting spirit that characterizes Argentine football. «When things aren’t going your way or the opponent puts you in difficulty, there is not just one way to go and win. There are many ways: with grit, with intensity, with balls, with this spirit of ours that we all carry within us. And the team has that,» he stated vehemently.
Scaloni recalled the epic match against Cape Verde, where the team was on the brink of elimination. «I was convinced that if the team hadn’t shown that temperament the other day, we would have been out for sure, because they made things difficult for us,» he confessed. He revealed his method: «How did we do it? By telling them to play like they do in their neighborhood pitch, at home, in their local team. When they didn’t have the ball, try to win it back. Sometimes tactics take a back seat, strategy takes a back seat because when you can’t, you have to break the scheme somehow.»
Regarding Lionel Messi, Scaloni brought calm despite the 120 minutes the captain played against Cape Verde. «I think Leo is fine. He didn’t mention anything despite playing 120 minutes the other day and being 39 years old. And if he has something, he didn’t tell me, so he’ll play anyway,» he joked.
But the news that caused the most stir was the confirmation that Leandro Paredes will return to the starting lineup. «Leandro came injured, simple. There’s no other reading,» he replied curtly when asked why Alexis Mac Allister had occupied his position during the tournament. He highlighted the midfielder’s effort: «He made a tremendous effort to get here.» Regarding Mac Allister, he clarified: «We believed the ideal substitute was Alexis because Enzo was playing higher up in his club. Alexis has made a tremendous effort to play there because it’s not his position, and he has done it magnificently.»
Scaloni praised Egypt, highlighting their coach and stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. «Salah is a great player; it will be a pleasure to face him. The team has played against great players and we have always taken collective precautions,» he stated. He ruled out tactical changes: «The team we field will be more or less similar to what we’ve been doing, and it’s true we are cautious about those players, but we won’t change the scheme in principle.»
The match promises to be a real inferno. Argentina seeks to continue dreaming of a back-to-back championship, but they will face an Egypt that does not back down. Scaloni knows this and has already shifted gears: with Paredes back, Messi up front, and the usual grit. Will it be enough?
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Para mí esto es defender la patria. Bancamos a Messi y Paredes contra los zurdos vendepatria que quieren destruir la Selección. Brasil afuera es justicia divina. ¡Vamos Argentina carajo!
dale vieja scaloni es un crack total paredes vuelve a romperla messi eterno como siempre lo bancamos desde la izquierda rebelde los criticos son gorilas vendidos al sistema ni entienden futbol ni lucha de clases brasil afuera justicia divina imperialistas de mierd vamos argentina carajo firme la tana del potrero