Scaloni Addresses Messi's World Cup Future and Team Preparations Ahead of Friendlies
In a press conference held on Friday, just one day before the friendly match against Mauritania at La Bombonera, national team coach Lionel Scaloni addressed several pressing issues concerning the World Cup and his squad preparations. With the tournament looming less than three months away, Scaloni provided insights on various topics, including the Finalissima cancellation and the potential inclusion of Lionel Messi. Scaloni discussed the canceled Finalissima, expressing the complications faced due to the situation in Qatar, stating, "We were following the news... and the truth is they were not encouraging." He emphasized the importance of finding suitable opponents for the team during this crucial preparation phase. Regarding Messi's participation in the World Cup, Scaloni affirmed, "I will do everything possible for him to be there... He earned the right to decide with peace of mind." He highlighted the significance of Messi's presence not just for Argentina, but for football as a whole. Key points from Scaloni's remarks include: Player Selection: Scaloni remains open to including younger players who have shown promise during training. Injury Updates: He remains hopeful about the return of players like Lisandro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso, and Lautaro Martínez, who have faced injuries. Expectations: Scaloni acknowledged the pressure of being the reigning champions and the unique challenges this brings. Scaloni concluded by reflecting on the difficulties of organizing training and matches in a compact schedule, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the team's readiness for the World Cup. He expressed optimism about the squad's potential and the importance of unity as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Source: Olé - 2026-03-26