After a resounding 3-0 win over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup debut, with a hat-trick from Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni held an extensive press conference ahead of the match against Austria in the second round of Group J. The coach held nothing back: he came out to defend his captain, analyzed the next opponent, and shared several reflections on the tournament.
The press conference started off heated. A journalist asked about the fake news involving Jorge Messi, father of the Argentine captain. Scaloni did not hide his anger and replied with irony: ‘Did we have to start with this question at the beginning of the press conference?’ Nevertheless, he reassured 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 group’s role in difficult moments. ‘We firmly believe that the group is what gets through both good and bad situations,’ he stated, before emphasizing that ‘next to a friend, it is always better to live through good or bad times.’ Without giving further details, he closed the topic: ‘We are fine and ready for the match.’
Regarding the next opponent, Scaloni did not let his guard down. He described Austria as ‘a difficult opponent,’ with quality players capable of pressing high and with a clear offensive approach. ‘They are a vertical team, they have had a great qualification campaign, and we have been watching them. They are an opponent to take into account,’ explained the coach, highlighting the intensity and aggressiveness of the European side.
The coach considered that the fact that both teams won their first match could favor the spectacle. ‘Both of us have won our first match, that might help make the spectacle even better,’ he noted. When comparing Austria to Algeria, he found similarities in their attacking intent but clarified that the Austrians are ‘more vertical, not stringing together as many passes.’
Scaloni also referred to the hydration breaks due to high temperatures. He explained that those stoppages function as small halftime periods that allow for tactical corrections. ‘Everything I have in my head can change based on what happens in those 22 or 23 minutes,’ he said. He even admitted that it is hard to adapt: ‘It feels strange to adapt to that.’
The coach revealed that he follows all World Cup matches and that before the press conference he was watching the end of Uruguay vs. Cape Verde. He stated that the tournament is offering scenarios that are difficult to interpret: ‘It’s a bit tough to know where the World Cup is heading. Statistics in the end are quite misleading.’
Asked about the moments when Argentina gave ground against Algeria, Scaloni downplayed it: ‘In the end, the opponent plays and the opponent puts you under pressure. You have to dig in, you have to defend. You can’t always impose your game.’ He valued the team’s ability to react: ‘The important thing is that the team reacts when that happens, and that is what leaves me calm.’
Finally, he analyzed the team’s evolution since Qatar. He highlighted the growth of Thiago Almada, whom he described as a game-changing player, and valued alternatives like Giuliano Simeone, Nico González, and Nico Paz. ‘The team is on a good path. They have not shown signs of letting up, and that’s why they are here,’ he concluded.
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para mi scaloni tenia q salir a bardear estos zurditos inventan contra messi como si no supieramos q el la rompe siempre austria jodido? si pero argentina con messi les pasa el trapo vamos carajo la concha de la lora
Para mí, Scaloni la tiene re clara. Austria es jodido, pero los que tiran fake news sobre Messi son unos vendepatria del sistema. Esto huele a los medios hegemónicos queriendo voltear al pueblo. ¡Vamos Argentina carajo! D10S Messi nunca se vende, a diferencia de los gorilas.