Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, cautioned against underestimating their upcoming group stage opponents for next year’s World Cup, drawing from the lessons learned during their journey to victory in 2022. The reigning champions will compete against Austria, Jordan, and Algeria in Group J.
Scaloni humorously reminded reporters of Argentina’s unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the last tournament, emphasizing the importance of treating every opponent seriously. “We must give our best in every match, working hard physically,” he stressed.
Scaloni attended the World Cup draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he proudly displayed the trophy, sharing that holding it again was an emotional experience for him.
Regarding Lionel Messi, who will be 39 during the tournament, his participation remains uncertain, though fans are hopeful he will not miss what would be his sixth World Cup. Scaloni mentioned they are awaiting his decision, and Messi himself stated he’s focusing on his current performance, considering the logistics of participating given the tournament’s location.
As Messi prepares with Inter Miami for the upcoming MLS Cup final against Vancouver, his potential presence in the World Cup is highly anticipated, given his leadership during the qualifiers.
Fan Take: This news resonates deeply with soccer enthusiasts, as Messi’s possible participation highlights a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. For fans, it symbolizes not only a chance to see a legend on the field again but also the continuity of Argentina’s competitive spirit in the global arena.
