Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about the match against Angola, the team and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Thursday where he commented on the new players who have been called-up for the match against Angola on Friday. Speaking at the press conference, here is what Scaloni had to say:
“We replaced those who left the list with guys we had been following and who could have a chance. It helps us to see them and reconfirm what we thought, that they can contribute to the team.
“I’ve decided on the team; it’s going to be a totally reliable team that has played together a lot. Many world champions will be on the pitch, and people will be able to enjoy themselves.
“The idea is to give the players we know less well a chance to play. That’s what these matches are for, and we’re confident based on what we’ve seen in training that these are players who are capable.
“Many of our players are betting that we can see them and be on the World Cup roster. There’s nothing to give away, we’ll try to play a good game and control it our way.”
Scaloni also commented on Lionel Messi and if he will play against Angola:
“Messi is going to play, I don’t know for how many minutes, we’ll see; people will be able to watch him.”
About if Lionel Messi will play at the World Cup:
“Will Messi play at the World Cup? I don’t know.”
He also spoke about ValentÃn Barco:
“We have placed Barco on the wing and in the middle. The important thing is that he is playing and is important to his team.”
Franco Mastantuono joined the Argentina national team despite not being called-up due to injury. Scaloni also spoke about him:
“The gesture by Franco Mastantuono is very appreciated, he wasn’t on the preliminary squad because they told us about his pubis problem. He said he wanted to be with us. He’s welcome, he’s been with us often.
“We’re open to these things, we like that the boys want to be here. We didn’t ask him to make a long trip, he was very close, so he was able to come.”
