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Lionel Scaloni praises Almada and reveals that Messi asked to be subbed off

Lionel Scaloni spoke in a press conference following Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Colombia at El Monumental. He revealed that Lionel Messi asked to be subbed off, praised Thiago Almada’s performance, and reflected on the team’s attitude and tactical adjustments.

On Messi asking to be subbed off:
“Initially, Messi wasn’t going to come off, but when he saw we were making two substitutions, he told me it was better for him to come off too, so I took him out—otherwise, he wouldn’t have left.”

On Thiago Almada’s performance:
“He’s confident and willing to try things—that’s the best quality a footballer can have, not being afraid to ask for the ball. He’s been a great addition for us and gives us peace of mind. It reinforces the fact that we have many players who can contribute.”

On Argentina’s overall performance and tactical changes:
“In the first half, we couldn’t find our rhythm, but in the end, football is not just about playing well. In the second half, the team changed its dynamic and we created chances.”
“It was a good test to see how the team would react playing with three defenders.”
“We leave satisfied. Of course, there are always things to review, but I’m happy—especially with how we played in the second half.”

On the substitutions and tactical plan:
“The substitutions were tactical. With (Giuliano) Simeone and (Nicolás) González, we looked to create opportunities down the flanks.”

On the team’s mentality despite already being qualified:
“Even under the conditions we played today—already having qualified—the players were fully focused on this match, and that’s incredible. In the end, the fans really appreciated the effort. The connection with the public is fantastic.”

On Colombia’s strategy and Argentina’s resilience:
“They set up a very tight match, where the ball moved quickly, and if you weren’t precise, you could get caught on the counter.”
“The best thing about the team, beyond always trying to play, was how quickly we recovered possession and never gave up on a play. From that point of view, we’re satisfied—that’s very important in modern football.”

On the difficulty of the qualifiers:
“Today they realized that when we talk about the qualifiers being tough, it’s not just a cliché—it’s real.”

“Everyone gives a little extra when they play against us—that definitely happens. Every match is a battle. I don’t remember any easy qualifiers.”

On Colombian coach Néstor Lorenzo:
“I appreciate and care about Néstor (Lorenzo). He’s doing a great job. We shared many moments together in 2006.”

On the fans’ support:
“The fans gave us incredible support. It’s beautiful to see them singing like that. We always need their energy, and today, in a really tough moment of the match, we felt it. It motivates the players even more.”

Thiago Almada scores for Argentina in 1-1 draw vs. Colombia, Enzo Fernández red card

Thiago Almada scored for Argentina in their 1-1 draw against Colombia with Enzo Fernandez getting a red card.

Almada got his third goal in the South American World Cup qualifiers after a difficult first half. Argentina had the first chance of the game where Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada played a great one-two but Messi’s effort went wide. Colombia had a few chances, particularly down Argentina’s right hand side and would get a goal.

Luis Díaz would dribble down the wing, cut inside and score to give Colombia the 1-0 lead. The first half would end with Colombia ahead.

Lionel Scaloni would make two changes at half time, bringing on Nicolás González and Giuliano Simeone for Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina for Argentina. Nicolás González would have an effort on goal which was saved by the goalkeeper and the rebound fell to Enzo Fernández but his effort went high.

Argentina were awarded a free kick and Messi’s effort from distance was saved. The rebound fell to Nicolás González but his effort would hit the post.

Minutes later, Enzo Fernández would raise his boot and hit a Colombian player. The referee would give him a red card.

Scaloni would bring on Exequiel Palacios for Lionel Messi and Juan Foyth on for Facundo Medina. Argentina would see more of the ball and get closer to goal.

Thiago Almada would receive the ball on the edge of the penalty area and he would dribble into the area and score to draw Argentina level.

Almada would be substituted out for Leonardo Balerdi towards the end of the game.

Argentina starting eleven vs. Colombia, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez start

The Argentina national team will play Colombia on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifying match with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez starting.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni starts Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez for Argentina. Messi is back in the starting eleven after not starting in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Chile. Here is the starting eleven:

Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo; Messi, Julián Álvarez and Almada

Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada to start for Argentina

Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada will start for Argentina against Colombia on Tuesday.

Medina and Almada will both be in the starting eleven. According to Gastón Edul, Medina will replace the suspended Nicolás Tagliafico in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.

Thiago Almada is also in the starting eleven, having started in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Chile. Here is the rumored eleven:

Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo; Messi, Julián Álvarez and Almada

Seven Argentina players on yellow cards in World Cup qualifiers

Seven Argentina national team players are on yellow cards and would be one card away from missing a World Cup qualifier.

The Argentina national team will play Colombia on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifying match. Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, Exequiel Palacios and Giovani Lo Celso are all on yellow cards.

Should one of them receive a yellow card against Colombia, they would miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in September. Nicolás Tagliafico received a yellow card in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Chile and is suspended for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying match.

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