Lionel Messi spoke about Argentina playing against England at the World Cup.
Messi and Argentina will play England in the semi finals of the World Cup on Wednesday. This will be the first time that the 39 year old plays a match against England. Speaking to the media after Argentina’s 3-1 win against Switzerland, here is what he had to say:
“Obviously everything that I have seen and remember is from video. We Argentines, we see and we relive. But I believe that this team is used to playing these matches, no matter the opponent.
“Playing against England is special because they’re good. Personally speaking, it’s the first time I will play against them.
“I have played against everyone except England. That will be nice too and I want to live it as it is. A semi final of a World Cup against a great national team. To try to get there in the best way possible to go back to competing.”
Surprisely Paz must require for number 10 role minimum first half without lots of change. after 60min Barco or Simone in can control and make them crazy.
A 3-5-2 could be the right answer against England.
Dibu (EPL)
Senesi – Cuti – Licha (all EPL)
Otamendi can come on later if we need fresh legs and experience.
Palacios – Lo Celso – Paredes – Mac Allister – Enzo (with Mac Allister and Enzo bringing EPL familiarity along with Lo Celso)
De Paul can be introduced in the second half to inject energy and intensity.
Messi – Álvarez (Álvarez’s Premier League experience could also prove valuable.)
On current form, England arguably have the edge in almost every department—pace, physicality, pressing, and transitions. The one area where we still hold the ultimate advantage is Lionel Messi. That makes it even more important to surround him with a structure that protects the team defensively and allows him to decide the game in the moments that matter.
I’m with you on the 3-5-2 but we need width and speed on the wings therefore Simeone and Nico Gonzalez make more sense to me. Lo Celso is more of a central midfielder and the source of our problem is on the wings. We aren’t creating any danger coming from there. Molina, De Paul have been a disaster on the left wing. Tagliafico doesn’t have the legs to go back in forth on the right wing, finally Medina is limited.
(🌕) A change of formation is a possibility for the game against England.
@gastonedul
🚨🏴
Wow! Is that true,plz share the article link here.
https://x.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/2076484721651958173?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Which is exactly what I don’t like. This so called “smart tactical” coaching philosophy, where you spend more time adapting to your opponent than focusing on your own game, isn’t something I think the most successful teams do. You rarely see PSG, Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich constantly changing their formations every match. They focus on their own identity, execute their game plan, and let the results follow.
Changing formations and tactics prevents your own players from settling into a rhythm. It becomes harder for them to build chemistry, understand their roles instinctively, and develop a natural flow. Instead of mastering one system, they’re constantly adjusting to a new one.
Scaloni should’ve stuck with a 4 3 3 as our primary formation and only switched when the situation genuinely requires it, like moving to a 5 3 2 late in games against the england or France when we needed an extra defender to protect a lead. Constantly changing formations in the middle of a tournament only disrupts your own team’s rhythm. It’s disappointing that, with only two games left, we still haven’t found a way to play our own game with a clear identity and system
I bet it gonna be 3-5-2
Romero-otta-licha
Nico-enzo-mac/pardes-loclso-simione
Messi – alverz
I still don’t understand our 4 man midfield can’t keep control of the game , how much advantage and numerical superiority do you need?. Apart from depaul all 3 are skillful , Paredes, Macca and Enzo they are supposed to be good on the ball.
Is there scaloni tactics that is bad? Or are they injured ? Or they are mentally crumbling against the press of European and African teams?
It’s hard to understand stand , we always had wingers and fullbacks problem so I didn’t expect much from them but our midfield is the strongest part and one of the best in the tournament but they are disappointing me the most .
In 2022 Macca and Enzo controlled the midfield vey well what happened to them this time. Acuna seemed to be a big lost last time he was constantly providing width on the left side ,dimaria started only in final before that it was Acuna.
Imo Molina against Switzerland has improved himself from previous game, he was making forward runs, linking with the midfield. DePaul was the worst then it was Enzo who was underwhelming.
Paredes is the least of your problem. He’s the anchor, and judging by the last two games, he’s been Argentina’s best midfielder. Enzo, De Paul, and Mac Allister are the problem. Chelsea and Liverpool had a bad season in Europe, so maybe that could be a contributing factor? I would still roll the dice with Enzo and Mac Allister, but De Paul should be benched.
We’ve been terrible in terms of off the ball movement throughout this World Cup. One of the biggest reasons we’ve struggled to control games is because our midfield and most of the team have been too static. Players rarely move into better positions to offer passing options.
Yesterday, Switzerland played a high line and crowded our backline and deep midfield areas. But what did the other Argentina players do? They barely dropped deeper to help the defenders and Paredes deal with the press. Countless times I saw one Argentine player surrounded by three Swiss players while the nearest teammate just stood far away instead of coming closer to provide an easy passing option.
The same applies to our defensive pressing. After losing possession, there isn’t enough urgency to get back into shape. Too many players just watch the play instead of sprinting back. That’s why so many counterattacks against us have looked dangerous. Even yesterday, Licha had to make a Mascherano style goal saving block, and there were only three Argentina players visible on the screen against 4 swiss player despite there being plenty of time for more players to recover defensively.
The team keeps saying they’re giving 100% and leaving everything on the pitch, but I don’t think that’s an honest statement. We did that in 2022. The lack of pressing and the lack of urgency to track back are clear evidence that we’re not playing with the same intensity and Most players not giving 100% other than few players.The distance covered statistics back that up too. Until the Switzerland match, where they played with ten men for part of the game, every opponent had covered more ground than Argentina. We’ve been running 10 to 15 km less than our opponents in almost every match since the group stage.
That’s why Ancelotti said Argentina weren’t playing with enough intensity, and he wasn’t wrong. People dismissed it as an old man playing mind games, but he was simply pointing out what the statistics already showed.
The FIFA president is thinking about yet again expanding the WC to 64 nations, I was against adding 16 for this WC, few nations took advantage of the opportunity while many others just squandered it.
64 nations is comical and it was never about inclusion as they claimed but more like more money and blatant GREED. Longer WC period, more injuries nm the ridiculous accommodation for everybody.
This is Messi’s last dance for sure this time around and I don’t want to hear anybody saying well ARG is hosting so why not, THIS IS IT so hopefully we’ll get to see him in the sky-blue and white 2 more times and off into the sunset forever.
The young players will get their chance very soon to prove what they can do without looking over their shoulders or feel the pressure for the first time in 20 years and I personally doubt Scaloni will stick around for the overhaul.
Just pic this, a week from tonight, ARG could be once again Champion of the WORLD and I’ll leave it at that.
If FIFA is expanding to 64 teams, they should just let the US host the World Cup by default. We are the only country big enough, with the infrastructures, and modernized stadiums capable of hosting 64 countries. The smallest NFL stadium has a capacity of 62k. We could have easily hosted this World Cup without Mexico and Canada.
Well they are going for three hosts going forward. Also, 64 countries won’t increase number of games as only two teams from each group will move on to round of 32. Though the quality of opponents will be weak and some get lucky with really weak teams and score 10+ goals, let alone viewers’ time as who has this time to watch group stage of 64 teams.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. More games isn’t necessarily a problem because you can always skip the ones you find boring. How many Champions League or Premier League matches do most people actually watch? Not all of them, and those are still considered the best club competitions in football.
A longer World Cup would also mean bigger gaps between matches, giving players more time to recover. Just look at what’s happening now. We played a 120 minute match and then had only three days before facing England. At club level, managers constantly complain when they have to play high intensity matches with only three days of rest. My theory why Argentina is looking so lethargic since KO games because lack of time to rest between games.
I also think the current 48 team format is flawed. Having the best third placed teams advance is a poor system. With 64 teams, FIFA could return to the classic format where only the top two teams from each group qualify. That would make every group stage match more meaningful.
Overall, I honestly prefer a 64 team World Cup over the current 48 team format. I’d still say 32 teams was the ideal size, but there are simply too many strong national teams today for a 32 team tournament to include everyone deserving.
Wingers are a big contributing factor in today’s modern game. France have Olise and Dembele. Spain have Yamal and can sub in Nico Williams. England have Saka and Gordon. Who does Argentina have? Tagliafico and Molina occupying the wings, seriously? One of Argentinas greatest traits used to be their 1-2s, with Messi in the center orchestrating some magic. Without any width to stretch the defense the middle of the pitch gets congested and our offense looks absolutely clueless. Against Switzerland, I noticed Dibu doing long balls towards Alvarez hoping to find a break and run past the opposition, but this becomes predictable very quickly so Dibus passes are rendered obsolete. Many of our goals have come from our center backs finding our players or set pieces. Is the 4 man midfield really justified for these grueling 120 minute matches? Is it really necessary for Argentina to suffer against teams like Egypt, Cape Verde, and Switzerland?
English pundits and ex-players are ALL writing us off already! If this was 2022, I would be so glad to hear that everyone is underestimating our capabilties and simply can’t wait to shut them off on the pitch. But we’re in 2026 now, it seems like their points are getting more valid than ever!
Cuti said they’ll give their souls in the match against England, there’s NO doubt about that. But can that OUTWEIGH the lack of quality on display based on what we already saw? God help us
Frenchy were supremely confident in the last WC and what happened? ARG went up 2-ZERO for 78 plus mins and then disaster happened and yet again held on and WON it.
Nobody expected France to beat mighty Brazil in 1998, or expected France to lose in 2006 until Zizu got ejected. I thought Dutchy were supposed to be the winners of this WC, a nation that never won the WC will be victorious they said, Brazil losing 7-1.
Keep it close and one moment of magic is all it takes and the Albiceleste had a few
As an Arsenal fan, what I will say in the build up to the game against England…
We CANNOT leave Saka 1v1 with a full back. He WILL cook Tagliafico or Medina. The way to deal with him is to stick 2 men on him whenever the ball goes to his side. Mikel Arteta’s rinsed his body and played him in basically every minute without a back-up since 2021. Physically not the guy he was a year or so ago since the injuries have been catching up to him. Before, I’d have expected Saka to deal with 2 defenders on his side if need be and find solutions. This least season he’s been pretty nullified if you put 2 people on him at all times.
If we could have had Barco on the left side of midfield to help out the full back that would have been very useful since his experience at full back and his aggression and energy hounding Bukayo would have been very useful against him.
This is very unusual, despite playing horribly Argentina managed to score 17 goals while conceding 6.
They have somehow managed to score.
Cape Verde was a respectable side, they drew Spain and Uruguay. Argentina managed to beat them.
Egypt put Argentina under pressure by leading with 2 goals while Argentina was trying to find the net.
Swiss team was doing what it had to do once Argentina scored 1.
Because Argentina was always under pressure paz, barco, simeone were unused and Scaloni relied on the experienced lot.
England is the not the best team of yhe tournament and is going to be very challenging, so the young lads might not get a chance here as well.
As much as ugly things have been for Argentina but many of them managed to score apart from Messi.
Fingers crossed, hopefully Argentina is able to bring up their A game against England.
I read about stubbornness from Scaloni. I don’t think he is stubborn. Sampaoli was stubborn, stubborn about his system. Scaloni is less confident. He is flexible with his systems and formation but is less confident about his players. I have said this for over 5 years now, his incorporation of new players is more forced than his choice, barring a couple. I think he himself knows he failed to refresh the team from 2022. Argentina played and won a copa after 2022 and was on an extended victory parade, which stopped him from getting new players, as the parade was about old players. Now, he and the coaching staff is scared to do anything bold. That’s about the coaching staff.
Now, what is our problem…
Unfortunately, two of our young midfielders Enzo and Maca are totally out of form. They are not old. Age is not the problem there. Its terrible performance and being out of form to press, hold the ball and pass. This is putting pressure on the defense too.
The more grave problem is the right side of our team, the trio of Messi, De Paul and Molina. Messi is old at 39 and is punching above his weight, performing better and more than expected. But De Paul and Molina is really pathetic and Scaloni did not bring players and also don’t have the preparation and courage to try something now. He tried Palacios and Simone and Paz in the Jordan game but then didn’t have the balls to keep one or two of them. If he did keep Simone and Palacios, we could have seen the equivalent of 2022. Now it might be too late.
As a supporter of Argentina since 1990, I will continue supporting every team and it’s respective manager. But one thing I will never do, is to blindly supporting every Manager’s decision. Criticism doesn’t equate to hate and disrespect. Constructive criticism comes out of the desire to see the team perform better. Scaloni deserves his Flowers. However the scaloni of 2022 of different from the current one. Where is that scaloni who would take bold decision and bench likes of paredes. What was the point of calling these youngsters if he had no intention of playing them any single minutes in the knockout. Does it mean likes of simeone, Nico paz, barco are that bad. Why he afraid to bench likes of DePaul and Macalister. Honestly am emotionally drained watching this team perform.
Flaco Lopez!! Came on to take penalties yet played a crucial role that led to Alvarez goal. After Flaco received the ball inside the Swiss 18 yard, he dribbled to the left side taking three Swiss players with him, freeing up the frame of the Swiss goal, after passing the ball to Álvarez, he then had a clear view on the Swiss goal. And this move by Flaco was deliberate because he had other options to pass the ball to. Flaco can play, the guy plays in Brazil so of course his dribbling would be good. Well earned assist. None of Scaloni substitutions were tactical, every one of them came on to take penalties, same for Almada. These subs were made in case the game goes to penalties.
Everyone noticed that..the space open for Alvarez..because Lopez dragged defenders to him..we should applaud that..there we got the winning goal…
He was straight into the action..after subbing off Paredes..! God sent him there..!
This also validates your and some of others earlier points that we should give opportunities to young players like Barco and Simeone and they can change things.
Is lopez that good in penalties?? What is his penalty record??
it’s already bad how overconfident English pundits and footballers are getting. They’re saying we’re better than Argentina, that England has better pace. I hope Argentina wakes up and is better prepared.
We are in the semi finals again!!! when will you guys stop complaining and enjoy the moment man!! Calm down atleast enjoy the day and then from tomorrow again come here and curse scaloni to get over the frustrations of your lives.
If I am not wrong, the only time argentina reached b2b semi finals were in 86 and 90. Its a great achievement.
In modern foorballl it is not easy to continue like this. Look at Spain after 2010, look at Germany after 2014, look at Italy after 2006. Only France have been able to continue due to their exploitation of the whole of Africa, from their natural resource to the human resource.
It is not easy to continue winning.. The copa, the 22 qualifiers, the finalissima, the world cup, the combined copa, the 26 qualifiers and the wcup semi final again. It does not fckng matter what the others are saying.. they are jealous because they cant achieve it. IF THEY SAY THE WORLD CUP IS RIGGED, TELL THEM WE HAVE ALREADY BOOKED THE WORLD CUP FOR 2030 AS WELL. WE NEED THE 5TH STAR 😁😁.
Enjoy the moment, we may lose the next match but it will be the end of the most fantastic period in Argentine football history. Enjoy till it lasts.
We will win the semis sabya.But i believe messi will go one step ahead of what maradona achieved in 1990.
How on earth even after day clear that 4 mid with paul, paredes, McA, Enzo doesn’t work they are still continuing???? De paul was very sluggish and missing ball from 1st minute but he was still on the pitch for 80+ mins. This is ridiculous. And again everyone going to sleep after one goal!!! You won it’s doesn’t always mean you played and executed well with your system. At least keep either of wing play between Nico/Gioliano to make wide. DePaul is not anymore playing football… Finally you conceded against Jordan, Egypt, Cape verde, Switzerland means defence not working and you need to plan differently!
Arg is the most goal conceded semifinalist!!
Most scored too..you didn’t see that..?
Anyone can explain to me why this formation wont work ? Why its not am option to try ? How come scaloni who was so open minded in 22 ( adding enzo, alvarez and trying 3-5-2 against Netherlands) become completely tunnel viewed in 26?
3-5-2 or 5-3-2
Dibu
Romero Otamendi Licha
Simeone Paredes Mac Celso Nico
Messi Alvarez
With an additional CB in the defence. Our wingbacks can do more forward runs… Simeone will bring the pace and intensity in both wing and defense.. Why not give him a try. Le celso in for more line breaking passes cause he is simply the best in it among Argentina midfielders and mostly due to enzos lack of form…. This looks like the most balanced formation to solve our wing problems, intensity problems and creativity…
i would be happy with this formation, take out otameindi and place senesi and it looks formidable. or even enzo for macca
Senesi not been tested enough. Can crumble in pressure. Otemendi still one of our finest aerial defender.. England have great wingers who loves to put many crosses to Kane and Bellingham. I trust otamendi more than senesi to deal with those balls.
Macca cause of his forward runs.. Enzo did nothing in last 2 games. Macca have better movement imo and find himself in scoring position a lot often.
yes but senesi knows the english game better… your right about otamendi, but i just fear that he would concede a pk. he will commit a foul in the box.
But with the line up you mentioned… i feel enzo would be better suited so that he could provide a bit of cover for paredes, as we know he too has tendencies to over commit…
but one thing is for sure… if scaloni fields these four midfielders again, we absolutely stand no chance…
Cuz it’s a back 3 man. That’s it really. They’re just notoriously picked off by better opposition. Predictable movements and easily pressed back. You can’t really transition properly. Our FBs aren’t really wing back other than Molina.
England main three player can create problem.. There are belinghum, kane, and saka.. We need to concrete our defence and change our midfielder for surprise England coach Some thing like…
—————————Emi——————————
Palacios.. Romero. Otamendi.. Lisandro..
…..Barco…. Mac alister……..Enzo………..
…Someone……… Messi……….. Alvarez..
All member please keep passions..nico paz, bacca, simione will get regular playing time with national teams after world cup..all coaches are always stubborn..they have right to do..so keep calm after wc paz, bacca, n siomone definately maine part of this national team ..they are getting experienced .
how come no one is talking about that horrendous shot Molina took… he had Julian wide open and opted to shoot a wild shot. this game couldve been put to bed in the first half.
also, there was a play that messi made… he released maccalister and it was 3 v 2 but what does maccalister do? he backheels a counter attack and passes it to the swiss player. this is just outrite laziness. This team today looked super lazy. Even the goal the swiss scored. it was one of the laziest defensive mistakes.
sure we are mentally strong, that goes without saying… but why dont they close the gaps? outside of tagliafico, cuti, paredes, julian and lisandro… no body presses…
i dont care if we lose but, i wish scaloni would play
———– dibu ————
molina – cuti – licha – tagliafico
Simione – Paredes – enzo (barco)
———–paz————-
Messi ———- julian
Messi needs either paz or locelso next to him…. it is beyond obvious that he is fatigued, we need another creative player badly….
Good point, would have been an easy shot if molina passed the ball
absolutely, in tight games… these are moments that would literally kill you. Same thing happened in the norway vs england game… the number 7 completely ignored Hallaand…. i dont know how you can have a brain fart moment like that.
There is no way Scaloni would go with this lineup, swapping just one player (Almada) was like pulling a tooth. Also, it’s time to stop dreaming of Nico Paz, Simeone, Senesi, and Barco, Scaloni is not interested in having them come off the bench, let alone having them as starters.
but bro… shouldnt it be obvious? scaline, time and time again, has said… the most informed players will play.
He also had the courage to make drastic changes in the last world cup that ended up changing our fate… although it was in the group stages, that game against mexico was basically a final for us.
what happened that scaloni…
we are bascially winning games with grit up until this point.
Romero didn’t move debu opened his legs like a crack whore looking at a dollar bill
That molinas weird shot that weird step out go forward licha did the striker was just behind him
Again Argentina are courting all there own problems
And the deeper deeper deeper static back line
Clear the ball stop watching it you do not have LASERS in Your eyes KICK IT
WATCH BALL STEP BACK Watch ball STep BACK
TWO STEPS FORWARD CHANGE MIND STEP BACK
DEBU IS A EMBARRASSMENT saves that weak long drive starts acting like give me applause. What for
DePaul is the worse one for this step back back back
Anything inside the box debu cannot stop
There is goals galore in this side yet players won’t pass or drive the ball
@savedmessy
Agreed about Mac Allister’s failed passing attempt, but it almost feels like bad habit come instinctively into Argentina’s players. Alvarez did something similar against Egypt, and it completely killed the momentum.
We need to stop forcing these one touch 1-2 combinations with Messi. They fail 9 out of 10 times because they’re too predictable, the pass gets misplaced, or they just end up gifting the opposition a dangerous counterattack.
Argentina’s players simply don’t have the technical ability to execute those quick combinations in tight, well defended spaces the way Spain’s players do with Messi
What is unfortunate is, we are more than capable of it. I for one dont think, the world cup is about playing beautiful… it is about results. But we dont have to make it extremely difficult on ourselves.
I think the 4-1 victory against brazil has convinced Scalolni that it is his saving grace… but it really isnt
If we are trying to play through tight spaces, then the plaers to inser are lo celso and paz.
This is normal in the game. It was terrible decision
Mac allister got the pass at back side…he can’t control that..this is what I saw live..need to re watch…!
If anyone say to remove Macca and Enzo from lineup..I won’t agree..without those box to box player..we will be another Sampoli’s team…no connection in attack and defense..a split..!
Paz is good…but he cant do De Pauls role. Barco can be risky if start…Simeone is a winger…
If Depaul out and we keep same formation? It will be Palacios coming in..!
Messi after the game interview
“After we scored the goal, we dropped back a bit and defended deeper than necessary. We also had trouble playing the ball out from the back, and we ended up resorting to long balls, whether from the goalkeeper or from my center-backs”
Spot on analysis. Did the same barebone but common sense verdicts of the game against Egypt and Cape too.
Notice how he mentioned we defended deeper than necessary. Thats a dig at Scaloni’s tactics and rightfully so. Bro gets Simeone everytime Argentina scores and park the bus..
Argentina is never made to play pragmatically. We play worse this way.. we want ball in our feet and play with flair and grit…. I swear scaloni never learned from what went wrong against Netherlands and France last time… He instead doubled down and decided to park the bus just leading by 1 goal this time…. Awful tactics and letting Argentina down everytime… Go for the 2nd, 3rd til the opponents completey give up..
Everyone’s been busy trashing the team, but these players deserve some love and appreciation for keeping the dream alive and this World Cup journey going.I have nothing but respect for these players
Romero = The standout performer and by far our most consistent player. He has barely put a foot wrong all tournament. Everything on his side has been solid. While most of our players have looked lethargic, Romero has matched every opponent’s intensity and physicality. It’s even more impressive considering he came into the World Cup carrying injury. He plays with the heart of a warrior and always rises in the biggest moments. For me, he’s the greatest Argentine center back of all time.
Licha = Absolutely world class on the ball. His line breaking passes and switches of play completely change the tempo of our attacks. He’s calm under pressure, composed against the press, and never afraid to play forward pass. Defensively, he brings aggression and intensity that very few players in the squad can match. He had a poor game against Egypt, but he redeemed himself with a brilliant performance against Switzerland.
Tagliafico = He’s improved massively going forward while remaining solid defensively. At 33 years old, he’s still covering every blade of grass and working tirelessly for the team. He rarely makes mistakes, is always reliable, and consistently gets the job done without demanding attention to himself. His positioning, work rate, and professionalism have been exceptional. He’s been one of Argentina’s most underrated players for years, and I still think he doesn’t get anywhere near the credit he deserves.
Alvarez = His attacking output hasn’t been at the level we expected, but it’s hard to blame him when our midfield creates almost nothing. He’s constantly making intelligent runs that often go unnoticed because the service simply isn’t there. Unlike Lautaro, when chances arrive to him, he usually gets his shots on target. His pressing is relentless from the first minute to the last, and he works incredibly hard defensively, Physically, he looks like one of the fittest players in the squad and never stops fighting for the team.
Messi = I don’t even know how to describe what he’s doing. This is one of the greatest carry jobs I’ve ever seen. I always disagreed with people who said Messi’s 2022 World Cup was a bigger carry job than Maradona’s in 1986, but this tournament has genuinely changed my mind. This is bigger carry job so far than maradona 86. Without his goals, menacing presence in the attack, leadership, and ability to decide games out of nothing, we probably wouldn’t have even made it out of the group stage. At 39 years old, he’s still carrying Argentina on his shoulders against younger, faster, and more athletic teams. Remember guys not a single player at this age played this good in this age and no one ever will.
I just hope the others step up now and honor the badge, the fans, and the pride of the nation. Especially against England, because losing to them would be an incredibly painful way to go out, given the history between our two nations.
You can’t complaint against the players- you pay with what best available options you have. It’s about the coach, his cowardice, stubbornness, tactics, player selection.
I remember how frustrated we were before 2022 for his reluctance to bring in Romero, Emi Martinez, Macca, Enzo. The team, especially Messi saved his ass by winning the cup. At least, by coincidence or by divine hand of selection, he had the team ready right before the tournament starts. This time, we are still talking about this player vs that player.
This Argentina team reminds me of the 2014 World Cup but not Sabella’s Argentina, which defended compactly while still creating chances. But the overrated and lucky brazil who kept finding ways to beat average or decent teams and rode their luck all the way to the semifinals. Then they finally faced a true or proper strong side, and we all know what Germany did to them.
By now it’s pretty clear that Scaloni is a coach who doesn’t like taking risks. His substitutions, especially when the team isn’t playing well, often feel more like desperation than proactive tactical changes. He also seems reluctant to trust players who haven’t been with the national team for long, even when they could offer something different. Argentina is paying the price for that despite having plenty of quality in the squad.
As for England, they may not be as dangerous as France, but underestimate them based solely on their performance against Norway in the hot and humid conditions of Miami. They have way more balanced team and a manager who isn’t scared of making risky calls!!
Finally, we should thank the Swiss player whose dive led to the red card. That particular moment bailed Scaloni out! Just when Switzerland had all the momentum and Argentina’s management looked completely out of ideas, we got a huge slice of luck!! Hopefully our luck continues in the semifinal because I really don’t want us ending up in the third place playoff and only then Scaloni fields players he brought as spectators !
Spot on. 2018 Argentina also comes to mind.
Almada is introducing al lot of movement at least, unlike Macca, and Fernandez. Being harsh on him while turning blind eye to these loser-faced ones like Masche or Biglia, Higuain, Aguero once is terrible bias.
What!! When i heared commentary talks today that messi havent played against englans i thought is in worldcups..
Why AFA havent made even any frndlies against europians especially against england during his prime that could have settled many PL pundits that how eassy this could be for messi
@DFox1942
Didn’t I say yesterday morning that I’m putting on Alvarez jersey because he will score??? I did. Big hugs my friend. I will repeat this over and over and gloat as much as possible 😂
Congrats to everyone here, we made it to semi finals four years after winning cup. I believe we will get to play third place match at minimum, meaning we are in till the end. !!!!!!
Yes we suffered and yes we weren’t creative and yes simeone or paz could have played over Almada. I’m not for or against Almada, but he was the first player brave enough to attempt a long distance shot last night.
Romero was extraordinary. He gave everything on the field and looked exhausted which is why Ota came in.
Montiel is my only complaint, when Molina needs a sub it needs to be palacios or they need to figure out a different formation.
What no one is mentioning here is the press. We press high early, get tired, then we can’t even press them when they are meters from our box. This is our major issue on defense.
The other major issue on defense is we have problems game after game of opponents wing and back overlapping with no one to swing under and cover.
Anyways most won’t understand what I’m saying here, this is just basic futbol concepts.
Muchachoooos!
Yep spot on abt almada he give alverz that idea to shoot from kutside the box.. I kept asking all three last matches here why our players who all scores stunners from outsode the box messi, lsutaro, alverz, almada, de paul, molina affraid to shoot from distance in national teams pardees and romero trys it here and there i like it.. Today alverz and almada almost got it..
More shooting needed and croses at time when 4 of our strickers inside the box while we passing back..
Regarding pressing after the team tired it was depaul he used to run for all the press in 22wc or 21 copa now playing in MLS has effected his fitness and intensity.
Is there another player who could press 90mnts? Simione maybe?
Nabeel, I’m no expert, but I though our team would begin the press at midfield line, and have alvarez running around pressing on opposite side as we have been used to over the years. It seems that in the beginning of last three matches we press 5-6 players on opponents side every first half, and opponents are able to leave us vulnerable for instance Egypt and swiss.
You know what is extraordinary FUNNY, nobody knew who Messi was just a few years ago and now homie is everywhere, Lowes, CVS, Walmart, in gas stations, in commercials with movie stars.
Remember once many years ago at QT and again was getting ☕️, guy behind me Taps me on the shoulder and says, Messi man he’s good, I always loved BRAZIL!!!
I turn around and say, ARGENTINA, he’s an Argentine, Brazil is the archnemesis
😂
😂😂😂😂
I had a similar experience in Chinatown DC at watch party in 2006. Was wearing crespo away blue jersey and an American said to me “great team but you Italians are too rough” 😂
Btw I was right about alvarez goooooooal! 😂
@sorin also i think depauls fit and form is one factor too bcz he was also pressing and running all 120mnts with intensity age or mls somehow reduced his speed.. And no di marrria means that side of the wings are relaxed pushing into our half bcz they know there is no express pace. This is where i thought we failed to develop gaurnacho who in 2022 destined to be the front runner for di marria spot post his retirement
By the way congratulations guyzz
For reaching our 4th consecutive big tournament semi finals
Today i wont discuss tactics and flaws
Maybe tomorrow
#VamosAlbicelesett 🇦🇷
Anyway regardless of playing style and suffering I want congratulate all of us here who faced so many heartbreaks coz of early exit from the tournament either it’s Copa or WC. This is our 5th consecutive Semi guys something to proud of. I still believe best yet to come and let it be against English
Me too, ARG is the underdog the for 1st time in this here WC,let’s see what happens because obviously thus far, anything is possible 🤷
Interestingly, it’s true! The odds are with the others, and hopefully that doesn’t load the prssure on our guys!
With all that’s said and done after today’s match, I feel like I’m finally drained of all the heartbreak. I think we played slighly better yesterday compared our otger knockout matches were we didnt entirely depended on Messi. Now England awaits. I don’t know how we’re going to navigate them. We may no longer be the favourites, so that’s an entirely different shift in mentality.
Looking at all the matches we’ve played against lesser opponents, we haven’t played to our full potential, which is what we all expected before the World Cup.
Again, changing one or two players isn’t going to drastically change our performance. The overall level, compared to 2022 when we were hungry to win a World Cup after 35 years, was far better than what we’ve shown in 2026. That said, this group is as close-knit as it has always been. The heart and bond between the players remain our biggest advantage. If we play to our true potential, we can beat them. Otherwise, it’s going to be tough.
I just hope we put our best foot forward against England. It’s a historic match, and England are, pound for pound, looking better than us in some departments. It’s going to be tough. I just hope we don’t get humiliated. This group is ageing, exhausted, and recovering from injuries. Some of them simply can’t play 120-minute matches anymore.
Whatever happens, this group has given us the happiness we’ve been waiting for for a long time, and for that, I’m truly grateful. Here’s hoping for the best.
We won’t humiliate my friend. Remember 2021 Copa America final everyone one here said we will be humiliated in Brazil against top notch Brasil team who had Neymar in their back yard. If we go through archive we will see those very people who said crap still here but we didn’t humiliate. I believe England has eye catching wingers but I believe they can be stopped we just need to play out game that’s all
Now that we have officially become the “underdogs”, hopefully we will play better, win the semifinal and play the final match instead of that monstrosity of football match called the third place decider. Typically, Argentina doesn’t lose semifinals and I think we will not break that tradition this time around as well.
I will never worry about the technical aspect of our next game because, it’s England and their players typically faints when they see somebody controlling the ball at the first attempt lol. However, since De Paul can’t do that, hopefully Scaloni will replace him with someone who can play a little.
About the Switzerland game: Macalister played well, Molina played well, Paredes played wonderfully, Julian played exceptionally and our centerbacks did great. On the other hand, De Paul played his 5th straight shit game after his first great 30 minutes in the Algeria game. Kudos for him for that 30 minutes but kindly fuck off. And Enzo needs to stop his Bellingham gimmick and start being a midfielder again. Brother needs to play football instead of trying to win statistics.
How you win against England: You play slow, thru the middle and letting them know you play football from the first minute. You own the ball, play rondos, show off your silky touches and techniques and score with street football. Play Football.
How you lose against England: If we play the gimmick of sitting back and trying to hit them on the counters thing, they will eat us alive. All those stat things like set pieces, transitions, second ball yada yada nonsense are all their speciality and if we try to play that game against England, they will beat us easy.
Let’s see how Sabella, ahem Scaloni sets us up on Wednesday.
I agree with you completely. We can’t play that way . We must control the game also have you noticed our transition play is nonexistent which is sad. Maybe bringing Lo Celso ain’t the bad thing
I’ve waited so long for an Argentina vs. England world cup match, and now my team is playing like this when it finally happened.
I’ve been reading English fans on Reddit, and many of them don’t even rate this Argentina side. Some even think they got an easier semifinal than Switzerland. It hurts to see how much respect Argentina has lost over the last three matches. Remember the same fans having conversation about meeting Argentina and talking about us with fear before capo verde game
I really hope Scaloni changes the core lineup and brings in some fresh, high intensity players. It’s becoming painful to watch De Paul and Enzo put in underwhelming performances and let the team down. Give Simeone and Lo Celso/ Barco a chance instead.
We need to play with more grit, intensity, and physicality. Where has the typical South American ruggedness gone? We showed it against Brazil and Uruguay in 2025, but now we’ve lost that edge at the worst possible time.
When the management does not give players a second opportunity after match winning performances, while continuing to give failing players chance after chance, players lose their incentive to play well.
Imagine how Lo Celso et al are feeling watching this series of dismal performances while being forced to sit on the sidelines. Must be hell on morale.
I can’t rest until first training. There is no way we can go same approach as last game NO WAY! I just feel like we should go back how we played in qualifying 4-3-3 with Almada coz England game will be more suited for this kinda game. We can hit them transition and he can defend against wingers. I know many critical about him but I think this game is much more suited to him and yes he made the miss which was a great save from gk but he actually made the run and he was direct when he came on and actually made some good plays. Like it or not but he is the closest thing we have in Fideo sadly and only that way we can play little bit better like Qatar. I didn’t know what we were doing last game ? There were tactics we can see which is wining second ball and bypassing their press with long ball which was working a bit when Messi and Macca were running for second ball for few instances but after that we were just sitting deep to defend maybe coz of the physical aspect of Swiss team. They were superior to us. We need to be better in handing ball against England as we can’t give them ball or they will hurt us for sure. I hope at-least there is one change to make some cover for England wing play. England is much better than Norway to be honest against us coz i honestly think we would have struggled against Norway more. Norway out played England and goal was disallowed. Probably for the first time we going as second favourites against England. All the pundits and analysts basically writing us off . I can take only positivity from this game is Lautaro and Alvarez scored and hopefully they gets some confidence back in right time.
Nah! Almada is no better than Pavon or Meza. I am done with Almada having more chemistry with the team BS . If Nico Paz had come on instead of Almada yesterday, with the entire Swiss team camped inside their own box, I am 100% sure the game would’ve been over long before we needed that Alvarez banger!!
At Como, Paz was directly involved in 7-8 goals, during a the start of serie a and was one of the biggest reasons they qualified for the Champions League. Yet Scaloni keeps leaving him on the bench while Almada gets chance after chance to do absolutely nothing.
For me, Almada should never wear an Argentina shirt again. Against England, I would drop both Enzo and De Paul, play Palacios on the right side of midfield, and put Nico Paz behind Messi and Julian. At least we’d have someone who can actually unlock a packed defence instead of passing sideways and constantly blasting the ball into the stands or wide!
Unbelievable
Scaloni’s biggest problem in this tournament has been his stubbornness. No matter how poorly we perform, he keeps starting De Paul, keeps throwing Almada on when Argentina need creativity, and doesn’t have the courage to drop Enzo or Depaul despite their poor form. Those two along with Molina have consistently underperformed, yet Scaloni refuses do anything! He has invested so much in Almada and Depaul that he wants prove everyone wrong no matter the cost!
Before the Swiss red card, Argentina spent long spells looking like the team parking the bus. We barely created anything, and from the start of the second half until Switzerland scored, we simply kept clearing the ball with nobody up front. All the while Scaloni waiting for Switzerland to push all their 10 players into our box so that he could score on counters! Which team in the first quarter of second half would push for a goal like they are in the dying mins of the game? Yet he was hoping for it!! The red card bailed Scaloni out because otherwise they would have put another ball between Dibu’s legs like they did with the first goal !
And then when Argentina desperately needed inspiration, on came Almada. The 9 Swiss outfield players and their keeper are in the box defending and this guy is constantly passing sideways to Nico.g or wasting his shots. Almada couldn’t hit the barn door to save his life!! And after ALVAREZ SAVED ARGENTINA FROM SCALONI, sorry… I meant Switzerland, finally Switzerland grants Scaloni his wish and pushes every foward and during the move for the third goal, Almada instead of passing it to Messi who was open missed another 1 on 1 before Lautaro finally finished the game, thankfully!
People keep saying Messi has been carrying Argentina this tournament. The reality is that for years Messi has been bailing out Scaloni. With Messi nearing the end of his career, Scaloni’s luck is about end! Scaloni game and man management has run his course like Pep guardiola in Barcelona!
He was passing the ball to Nico then he took a shot which was great but side netting. Passing to Nico few times was a deception so he can take shot next coz it was many players in box and if we lose ball then we get counter . Can’t you see that through? You are wrong without Messi we will play better. Yes Messi has his brilliance but in modern football you need all the players running and pressing together which Messi can’t now. We played better without Messi in every game. Our biggest flex was in Qatar how we pressed but this World Cup we can’t and why do you think it is !!! We had to adapt differently than last coz of Messi and heat and other circumstances. I feel like some times you guys here too critical without actually seeing through. If Messi saving Scaloni then how come we did not win 2010,2014,2018 World Cup & 2011,2015,2016 Copa America? It was prime Messi. Winning 4 trophies ain’t fluke My friend. There is a good thing about this coaching stuff that’s why they won so many trophies. Yes we played terrible last game coz our tactics didn’t work and I believe if Lautaro was playing along Alvarez it would have worked better. We would have won so many ball near Switzerland box.
I disagree. He wasn’t passing to Nico because it was some master deception. He was passing sideways because he simply doesn’t have the skills to beat his defender and drive deeper into the box. That’s why he kept staying on the outside instead of putting the ball inside the box himself.
Almada isn’t that player. His finishing has been poor all season long at Atletico, not just the world cup , and when the big moments came, thank to scaloni, he wasted them again yesterday. The side netting was another poor shot from him. On the third goal, when Messi was open, Almada showed another instance of his poor decision making along and finishing. Thankfully Lautaro cleaned it up.
For me, Almada simply isn’t at the level required for Argentina. We have way better option in Nico Paz, so I don’t see why Almada should be getting minutes ahead of him. You don’t get endless chances just because the coach has invested in the wrong player.
It was never his intention or mission to try beat 9 Swiss players then get caught on ball and screw us . If there was anyone that good in team beating players like that then we would not have been in this situation. Almada and Paz is different players that’s what you don’t see.
I’m not saying Almada will beat 10 players and do a Maradona and I know he is out of form thanks to Cholo but I feel like England game is perfect suited for him the way they play and we played in qualifying. In football we believe a good shot bring your confidence back or even a half turn. Paz ain’t winger or hybrid winger. He ain’t gonna work in that
Just when I tought Argentina could not play worse than England… They lay an egg
I’m ok with Almada not passing to Messi, which lead to Lautaro scoring. Messi is already on 8 goals, and if Argentina are to win the World Cup, we need both Laurato and Julian to have a taste of goals.
I don’t understand Scaloni’s obsession with Almada. If you dropped him from the starting 11 due to poor performances, why bring him in as a substitute?
We’re all agreed that De Paul should be dropped. He offered virtually nothing to the team, but dives and slow the game down. Any other midfielder on the bench would do a better job than De Paul. How can a player be so bad and still starting? If you have Paredes, you don’t need De Paul. Bring more creativity in the midfield. Lo Celso for example.
Lasty, Otamendi needs to start. That’s a tough one, as both Licha and Cuti are untouchable. The defense is very disorganized, chaotic, any through ball goes through, and no leadership this tournament. Licha can’t be dropped because of his on-the-ball ability and he can pass from deep. Molina is bad. Scaloni plays Paredes so Enzo could be moved further up, but Enzo has been awful. Argentina’s biggest problem is Molina, De Paul, and Enzo. I don’t see Scaloni making three changes, but something needs to be done.
I don’t think dropping De Paul in England game will be wise now since England wingers and Messi won’t defend and our RB ain’t good.
But De Paul is not doing exactly anything either! In fact, a liability with his misplacing passes and losing the ball constantly.
I agree but he is much better covering Messi space and helping RB. We will see what happens in few days time
Man, I was really trying to stay positive during this World Cup, but last night’s game? Seriously, it was the worst I’ve seen under Scaloni. We were just awful; I couldn’t believe my eyes. De Paul, Paredes, Enzo, and Macca were all just terrible.
We all felt the same way, it was very ugly but they won and that’s the only thing that matters.
This has been a very unusual WC but they’re in the semis with one game away from the final and anything could happen
Parades terrible for you? I agree with the rest 3 though
Yup, and maximum kudos and respect to the team for attaining where we are now. Somehow, regardless of what the reason(s) may be, retaining the title in modern days has just been extremely difficult and for us, in meeting the underdogs all the way, we’ve just had to dig very deep and scrape the bottom of the barrel every single match. Thought after 10mins and a goal up, we’re going to see this out. And then dynamics changed, we were defending, they scored and had momentum and we were trying hard to break down 10 men for large part of 2nd half but remained susceptible to the counter. scary stuff. I know our team has loads of gumption, peserverance and tenacity and I just hope we still have some left coz we definitely need it. He is not going to change the line-up the formation and play. If we accept it, our discussions can focus on how the current line will enable us to be the protangonists and control the match (just like how we did vs Croatia last time round, or vs France for the large majority of the match!)
I hope our team finds a way to contain/respond to England’s wingplay which is a big part of their attack (Gordon, Maduke, Saka) coz that’s where we’re very vulnerable. Parades and co will already be busy with Kane, Bellingham, Rice and we really need our wingbacks to please please please stand up and do their job.
Gordon’s the only one I’d say who’s in good nick out of the 3.
Madueke’s pretty toothless but a very energetic flair dribbler.
Saka is the real killer though. We have to deal with him. From watching every minute of him since his debut, the way to nullify him is to put 2 men on him. A Bukayo of 2 years ago would have had their number easily… now you can get your way with him.
DON’T leave him 1v1. Even a physically tired over the hill Saka will kill you in a 1v1 as he did against Mexico.
I really thought we Will control the game like Croatia game a bit but I was shocked too coz we can’t keep the ball. They pressed better. We have seen it all in last three games tbh and we better be use all the struggles in last three game and play better against England
Disagree on Parades. He is one of the best player of our team for last two match. However, Enzo fernandez and Rodrigo de Paul totally out of form for whole tournament.
This two need to be dropped asap otherwise it will be difficult against England.
To make a long story short, ARG needs to play better plain and simple.
Messi was tired and heavily covered and can’t blame the guy no matter what you think, nobody expected him to play as well as he did including myself but he’s showing his age and fatigue but other players recognized that and stepped up to the occasion.
Debu played a little better, few saves gave him some confidence but not as nearly enough going into the next game, I would say this though, familiarity with the English way should help a little.
I somehow was a little glad it was England and not the ridiculously oversized Norwegian, they would be holding their breath on every corner, set piece and loose airball all game long.
1986 Semis Vs England, Maradona….could it be??
Once again, inside the Benz, no sun humidity or heat should help them old legs.
I expect grit, fight til the death and maybe a twist or two.
I hope Spain pass the ball to death and somehow pull the upset for the obvious reasons.
As far as drama that follows ARG, conspiracy theories, FIFA favoritism bullshit …..etc Frenchy’s Golden boy got a PK after clearly diving, Nobody said shit, The Ball hit the camera wire and dropped perfectly into the redcoats path to their first goal, that dimwit Sorloth had to shoot the ball instead of passing it to an open Haaland for a 2nd easy goal.
ONE LOUSY GAME AWAY FROM THE FINAL, we know it, they know it, the whole world knows and AND MESSI FROM ALL PEOPLE KNOW IT.