Lionel Scaloni believes Argentina "can play in the same way with or without" Lionel Messi

Scaloni has led La Albiceleste to two Copa America titles and a World Cup title.

Before their World Cup qualifying match against Colombia tonight, Lionel Scaloni thinks Argentina has adapted to Lionel Messi’s absences.

After crushing rivals Brazil 4-1 in March, Argentina have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. They now lead Ecuador by 10 points in the CONMEBOL standings.

Prior to making a cameo in last Friday’s 1-0 victory over Chile, which Julian Alvarez secured, Messi had not played for Argentina since last November.

No player has appeared in more games (192), scored more goals (112), or recorded more assists (58) than Lionel Messi since he made his senior debut for La Albiceleste in 2005.

Lionel Scaloni said:

“The team is in a moment where it can play in the same way with or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players.”

“But now we don’t have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that’s good.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has won three major trophies for Argentina, including two Copa America championships and the 2022 World Cup.

But even with all of his accomplishments on the global front, Scaloni thinks the team is in a strong position in case Lionel Messi is ever unavailable.

Argentina are the only South American nation to have earned a spot in the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.

With three games left in the qualifying campaign, Colombia lead Venezuela by three points and presently hold the final automatic qualification slot.

Meanwhile, Scaloni is concerned about Argentina’s opposition, as Nestor Lorenzo’s team defeated them 2-1 in their most recent World Cup qualifying match in September.

Scaloni said:

“It’s a great team, and with great players, and it has a clear style that can put you in trouble. We’ve analysed it, we’ve shown the players their strengths and what we want to take advantage of.”

“It’s going to be a nice game, especially because we play at home, so it’s good for our people to see the players.”

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