Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentina national team, broke his silence in a press conference and made statements ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland. The coach, who advanced after a tough duel against Egypt, held nothing back and took aim at those who doubt the team.
«For Switzerland, having the players we have in front is a concern,» Scaloni said, making it clear that Argentina is no ordinary opponent. He added: «There are no easy teams, but we are doing well. The previous matches were very positive: I can’t say anything about the players. They did more than they had to do.»
The coach also addressed the possible starting lineup and did not rule out repeating the same formation that faced Egypt. «If I’ve done it on other occasions, it wouldn’t be crazy for it to happen again. I think the team could be repeated,» he stated. However, he highlighted the changes that made the team work, such as the entry of Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Tagliafico. «With Leandro’s entry, the team improved in circulation and possession. We are more present in the opponent’s half,» he explained.
But the one who received all the praise was Lionel Messi, who has 8 goals and 2 assists in the World Cup. «Leo almost always runs about the same. It’s not that he’s running more or less, but he’s more decisive and the team helps him a lot,» Scaloni said. And he concluded: «As long as he wants, he will be the best. He will be the best until he feels like it, but there will come a time when it ends.»
The coach did not avoid the debate about refereeing controversies and Egypt’s criticism. «In ’86 they also said we were favored: it’s not new. Argentina is one of those that always enlivens the tournament. There are people who don’t want the country to win, but that’s normal. What happens is that, with us, there are quite a few more people who don’t want us to win,» he said. And he revealed: «Some players use that as rebellion to play better.»
Regarding VAR and the disallowed goal for Egypt, Scaloni was blunt: «It’s very hard for them to help you: there are no double interpretations. What we were taught in the pre-World Cup course was strictly followed. Everything is magnified on social media. It’s very hard to favor someone today.»
Finally, the coach gave his opinion on the confirmed semifinal between Spain and France. «It’s an early final. They are two great teams. Both favorites and one will fall by the wayside, unfortunately,» he said. And he highlighted Spain: «The dry pitch is hurting them, because they are a team that moves the ball very quickly. They are a fearsome team, and I don’t need to say it.»
Argentina will face Switzerland this Tuesday in Kansas City. With these statements, Scaloni heats up the atmosphere and makes it clear that the national team does not back down from anyone.
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che pero scaloni tiene razon eh suiza esta cagada porque saben que messi los va a voltear solito arbitraje siempre en contra y los europeos lloran como siempre vamoss carajo
Para mí estos europeos se cagan todos, Suiza tiene miedo de la Scaloneta. Messi es DIOS, el árbitro un vendido, pero igual los pasamos por arriba. Vamos Argentina carajo, la copa es nuestra, llorones.