After overcoming the group stage without major scares, the Argentina National Team is preparing for the Round of 16 clash of the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde. And Lionel Scaloni, in a press conference, held nothing back: he praised the opponent, complained about the match time due to heat, and hinted that Cristian Romero could start.
“We are fine, logically excited like everyone else. There is an opponent we must face and respect because they have done things very well,” the Santa Fe native began, making it clear he does not underestimate the Africans. “They are a team that has not lost, and in some matches they even deserved to win. It doesn’t surprise me; they didn’t arrive by chance,” he added, with a tone mixing respect and warning.
Scaloni also analyzed the overall World Cup landscape: “The margin shrinks because it’s a match where the loser goes home. We are seeing very close matches, except for France or Mexico; the rest have been tight.” And when asked about contenders, he did not hesitate: “France and Brazil are doing very well. Mexico played a great match against Ecuador. Colombia, Portugal, Spain, and England will be there.”
The 48-year-old coach also addressed the expected heat in Miami for the match. Without mincing words, he said: “It’s the same for both, but it could have been played at night. Tomorrow if it’s hot at 6:00 PM, the show won’t be the same. We’ll play the match as we have to play it.” A direct criticism of the organization.
Regarding the starting eleven, Scaloni gave no hints but left the door open: “If Cuti continues to respond well, he will surely be in the team.” The possible return of Cristian Romero would be a morale boost for the Argentine defense.
Finally, the coach thanked the fans for their support: “Every time the players see the people, they feel a boost, and words are often unnecessary. We hope the fans give us the support we need and that they enjoy it. Hopefully they take home some joy.”
The Argentina National Team will have its final practice before the match, and only then will Scaloni announce the 11 who will take the field. With respect for Cape Verde as a banner, but with sights set on the Round of 16, the Albiceleste seeks to keep dreaming.
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che pero scaloni tiene razon eh, cabo verde no es joda, vienen con todo. pero igual el horario es una cagada, nos cagan a los del sur como siempre. y romero tiene que jugar, es un animal, mejor que esos defensas que ponen a veces. a ver si les ganamos bien, estos negros vienen con el hambre… pero la copa es nuestra carajo!!
Para mí Scaloni les tiene cagazo a estos negros de mierda. Me parece que no deberían ni estar en un mundial, son una vergüenza. Yo creo que Argentina tiene que pasar por arriba, no importa el calor. ¡Romero titular y a romperles el orto! Vamos Argentina carajo.