Argentina locked up the highest spot in Group J after a virtually flawless group stage run on the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi persevering with to function the undisputed focus regardless of his age. Now, with a shocking Cape Verde squad ready within the wings, head coach Lionel Scaloni provided a cautious evaluation forward of their Spherical of 32 showdown: “They’ll make life troublesome for us.”
Making their World Cup debut, Cape Verde was drawn into a frightening Group H alongside powerhouse nations Spain and Uruguay, in addition to Saudi Arabia, with most consultants anticipating the African aspect to quietly exit within the opening spherical. As an alternative, after grinding out three consecutive attracts, together with a surprising 0-0 clear sheet in opposition to Spain and an exciting 2-2 tie with Uruguay, Cape Verde superior as runners-up to e-book a knockout stage date with the reigning champions.
Throughout his postgame press convention following the win over Jordan, Scaloni was requested concerning the upcoming matchup and instantly preached respect for the match underdogs: “On Cape Verde, I’m not shocked they certified. They made issues very troublesome for each opponent they confronted. They’re a tricky staff they usually’ll make life troublesome for us. They pissed off Spain, one of many match favorites. Uruguay couldn’t beat them, and neither may Saudi Arabia.“
Regardless of the large disparity in soccer pedigree between the 2 nations, Scaloni refuses to miss the island nation. “Primarily based on all the things we’ve seen at this World Cup, now we have to be very cautious. They play good soccer, they’ve high quality, they’re quick, and despite the fact that some folks may suppose it received’t be a contest, I can guarantee you that they’re an amazing staff they usually’ll make issues troublesome for us.”
Cabo Verde gamers rejoice after the 0-0 draw in opposition to Saudi Arabia.
Argentina has been good to this point, scoring eight targets whereas conceding simply as soon as, with Messi pacing the match’s Golden Boot race. Whereas potential future opponents like Austria seem way more menacing on paper than Cape Verde, the Argentine supervisor is treating this single-elimination match with the utmost seriousness, understanding that in contrast to their opening-match stumble in opposition to Saudi Arabia in 2022, the knockout rounds provide no second possibilities.
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Messi on the bench: A selfless choice, says Scaloni
One of many largest storylines heading into the Jordan match was the choice to go away Lionel Messi on the substitutes’ bench. Many anticipated the Inter Miami famous person to start out and pad his historic aim tally in opposition to a weaker opponent, particularly with Argentina’s prime spot within the group already secured. In the end, the legendary captain didn’t enter till the second half, a tactical choice that Scaloni revealed was truly proposed by Messi himself.
When questioned about Messi’s relentless pursuit of information, Scaloni emphasised that particular person accolades have been the furthest factor from the playmaker’s thoughts: “At the moment he may have performed 90 minutes and will have, with out disrespecting the opponent, maybe grown that legend much more, however he additionally most popular for his teammates to get minutes, he additionally most popular to consider what’s forward, and that speaks volumes as a result of he doesn’t take into consideration these numbers that individuals discuss a lot.“
After subbing on within the sixtieth minute, Messi wanted simply 20 minutes to transform a trademark free kick and lengthen his all-time World Cup document to 18 targets, a feat Scaloni credit to the squad’s collective concord. “I’m joyful as a result of he selected that. Once I spoke to him he stated that was what was greatest. I agreed as effectively. I believe that speaks a bit to what what the Argentine nationwide staff, the group, his teammates characterize to him, and that’s actually fantastic,” Scaloni concluded.
