Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says the team must preserve its possession-based style in the absence of “irreplaceable” captain Lionel Messi after a 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia.
Messi missed the match, but Scaloni insisted Argentina’s approach would remain unchanged, with the team expected to control games through possession, movement and coordinated passing.
“Everyone knows the answer: Messi is irreplaceable; he is unique,” Scaloni said. “What we need to do is continue with the same football philosophy.”
He added: “We need to advance into the opponent’s half by controlling possession, through continuous passing and movement, and through tight team coordination. This is the foundation and core identity of this Argentina team, and this principle will not waver, no matter who is on the field.”
Scaloni acknowledged that Messi’s presence gives Argentina a different tactical dimension, but said the team’s fundamental style must continue regardless of personnel. He explained that the formation could change, with Argentina sometimes using wingers, four midfielders, two strikers or a lone forward, while maintaining its commitment to dominating through possession.
The victory also saw Roman Vega, Flores and Valentin Gomez make their international debuts. Their appearances took the number of players to debut under Scaloni to 68.
Scaloni said introducing young players to the national team was one of the most rewarding parts of his role, describing the moment they enter the pitch as a source of pride for the coaching staff.
“They are incredibly fortunate,” he said. “For us coaching staff, it is a great source of pride to open the door for these young players.”
He said the new arrivals were joining at a favourable time to express their ability, while also recognising the significance of representing Argentina. Scaloni added that the players’ emotions before their debuts reminded him of his own first appearance for the national team, something he said could never be forgotten.
The manager was also moved by the support in Cordoba, where 8,000 children attended the match with their teachers, many visiting a stadium for the first time. He said hearing them sing the national anthem before kick-off was the most positive aspect of the evening beyond the result.
Scaloni praised the team’s attitude and said every player understood the responsibility of wearing Argentina’s shirt. He was particularly pleased with the senior players, who had shown a strong desire to win and support the younger members of the squad.
He also promised Argentina would play more matches in the country’s inland provinces when possible, although he acknowledged the capacity and influence of River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in the capital.
“I can’t determine a specific percentage, but whenever we have the opportunity, we will definitely strive to play in the inland provinces,” Scaloni said. “All Argentine people deserve the chance to support the national team up close.”
Scaloni’s contract expires in December, although no decision on his future was confirmed at the news conference.
