Idman.biz
Argentina national football team coach Lionel Scaloni faced unexpected moments at a press conference after a 5-0 victory over Zambia at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. A person dressed as a journalist entered the room and addressed Scaloni, stating that opponents like Mauritania and Zambia are not worthy of the world champion, emphasizing that even the reserve squad of the French national team plays against stronger opponents.
İdman.Biz, citing "The Athletic", reports that Argentina's preparation schedule ahead of the 2026 World Cup is causing serious dissatisfaction. After the "Finalissima" match planned against Spain in Qatar was canceled due to the war in Iran, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) hastily organized friendly matches with Mauritania and Zambia. The team's recent opponents include weak teams like Puerto Rico and Angola, and the games to be held in the USA in June against Honduras and Iceland have further increased criticism.
National team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also did not hide his dissatisfaction with the performances:
"This was one of the worst friendly matches I remember. There was a lack of intensity and speed. If we are wearing the national team jersey, we have to be better."
With only two months left before the start of the tournament, the main question is whether 38-year-old Lionel Messi will participate in his sixth World Cup. Neither Scaloni nor Messi himself has yet announced his final decision.
Head coach Scaloni spoke cautiously on the subject:
"I will do everything to make sure he is there, but the decision is his. It depends on his mood and physical condition. Messi has earned the right to make the decision himself, and we are not rushing him."
Although Messi participated in 12 out of 18 qualifying matches and became the top scorer with eight goals, there are doubts about his ability to play at a high tempo against elite opponents. Muscle injuries and loss of speed raise the fear that the star footballer will leave a negative impression at the end of his career. After the victory in Qatar in 2022, Messi's participation in the tournament to be held in the USA this summer has become the biggest puzzle in the football world.
