Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about the team, the World Cup and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference in Miami on Thursday ahead of the team’s match against Honduras. Argentina play Honduras on Friday in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium and are currently training at Inter Miami’s facilities.
Scaloni held a press conference where he talked about the injuries. Here’s what he had to say about the team:
“The important thing is that the team plays well and respects the opponent. We respect Honduras because it is a national team with tradition and has always had good players.
“Those who follow the national team know that the basis is always the same. This team has shown that apart from the names, they always play the same. We’re going to have some changes tomorrow.”
About Lionel Messi:
“He will always play with me. There is no doubt. He will play and he will always be on the field. It’s a different case than everyone else, needless to say. He is happy, he is doing well. The team took a step forward. I spoke to Messi and he always wants to play.”
Regarding the injuries to Juan Foyth and Exequiel Palacios:
“Juan’s case is specific because he can play as a full-back or in the middle. It gives you many options. I don’t know how long he’ll be out, if he’ll get there in good shape.
“I am afraid that Palacios will recover, that he will arrive safe. After that, for the World Cup, there is no time. You have to appreciate it. He is in good shape. He is a player who has always been there for us. It’s important to me that the moment I make the list, it would be a technical decision and not due to injury.
“The situation with Cuti Romero hurts me. He’s stuck in Argentina and can’t travel. It’s a problem, the last day we’re supposed to meet and he can’t be here yet. I haven’t been able to speak to Lysander yet, but I know if he’s fit enough he’ll play.”
About Enzo Fernandez:
“In both positions in midfield. He is a very complete midfielder. He is a midfielder. Everyone who is drafted has the opportunity to play. We appreciate that he was able to get his chance. He’s here with the group. It can bring things. Exequiel Palacios couldn’t be here, we’ll see when the moment comes for him to make a decision.”
He also spoke about the World Cup:
“When the players are on the field, they don’t think about anything other than the game.” You have to let go of the nervousness of what’s to come. It’s the World Cup, everyone’s dream. He must have continuity in his club. He doesn’t have to think about “if I get hurt or not.”
“For every player to get to the World Cup in the best conditions, they must have minutes at their club.
“When the time comes to give the squad for the World Cup, we will have to see how each player performs. Today it would be useless to say how many defenders, midfielders and forwards we will bring.”
The coach also commented on Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Almada:
“They have a chance to play. That’s why they are called up. We saw that they are at a good level. They can be the future of the national team. He also thought that they could be on the final list.”
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