Eduardo Salvio spoke about Argentina’s complicated 2018 World Cup, coached by Jorge Sampaoli.

“Strange things happened. Situations that I never imagined could happen. Not just in a World Cup, but within a squad.”

He also emphasized that it was one of the best experiences of his career:

“For me, the greatest thing that can happen to any player is to play in a World Cup. Even though unexpected things happened, having gone to the World Cup, being one of the 23 players out of so many, for me, it’s the greatest thing that ever happened in my entire career. After that, we can debate whether we did well or poorly.”

Salvio played in the first two World Cup matches. He started as a right-back in the 1-1 draw against Iceland in the opener and in the 3-0 loss to Croatia. He didn’t play again in the matches against Nigeria and France.

“I hold on to that. I’m also grateful because I was given the opportunity to go, to spend over a month with top-level players, with Leo (Messi), who everyone already knows what he means, and you can imagine what it’s like to share every day with him. For me, it was a unique experience.”

Julián Álvarez spoke about Atlético Madrid, Pep Guardiola, Lionel Scaloni, and Lionel Messi in an interview with ESPN Argentina.

The Argentine striker expressed his joy over his transfer from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid:

“I felt that I needed a change in my football career, a new challenge. This was the best option, what I wanted.

“The decision was about trying to find my best version as a footballer to help the team. And well, after the talks I had with teammates, with Cholo, they gave me the confidence for what I was feeling, so we’re on that path.”

Regarding his former coach at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Álvarez had this to say:

“I spoke with Pep and I thanked him for the two years, for the trust, for how he treated me, for everything I learned, and for everything I experienced. He also thanked me because it had been two incredible years. I never caused any problems. And I helped achieve some very nice things at the club. He asked me that if I have a chance, it would be nice to visit the club because it would mean a lot to everyone.”

Álvarez also spoke about Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni and his talks with Lautaro Martínez and him after the World Cup regarding who was going to be the starting striker:

“After winning the World Cup, Scaloni spoke to me and Lautaro. He was very honest with us, about who should play and who shouldn’t. From his perspective, he was very sincere.

“He told us who was going to play depending on the match, and what he felt. That sincerity is something very valuable because you don’t often see that.”

Julián was asked if he thinks Messi will be at the 2026 World Cup:

“I think it depends on him. If he feels physically good, still has the desire, feels he can contribute, and wants to be there, then perfect. I think yes.”