Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Thursday where he commented on the team, the starting eleven against Uruguay and individual players.

In the same press conference, Scaloni commented on Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala missing both matches due to injuries, picking Benjanín Domínguez over Alejandro Garnacho, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Santiago Castro. Here is what he had to say:

“Unfortunately, Messi couldn’t be here. He got injured, and we were waiting until the last moment for a verdict.

“I’ve been talking with him. He hasn’t been well with his adductor for a while. It’s a shame he’s not here because we know what he means for us.”

Lionel Scaloni spoke about Paulo Dybala’s injury:

“Yesterday I exchanged some messages with Paulo (Dybala). The news about his operation is sad news. For us, beyond the player, the person is very important. It hurts us that he can’t be here and we let him know.”

Scaloni also stated why he selected Benjamín Domínguez over Alejandro Garnacho:

“We looked at his present form. He’s a kid who’s doing well, who can play on the right or left wing, who easily takes a man off his back, who can bring us things the team didn’t have.

“When it came to deciding between him and Ale (Garnacho), we decided to get to know him. To see him. In the end, it was the only way to get a feel for the player. That’s why we decided to bring him.”

He also commented on Julián Álvarez:

“Julián is a guy who gives any coach a lot of options. He is very important.”

On Giuliano Simeone:

“Giuliano Simeone is a boy who helps any coach, he has a chance to play. He can play on the right or the left, and if he were a winger, he would have to defend as well. He will be a great help for our national team.”

His thoughts on Santiago Castro:

“Bologna played in the Champions League, so the number of matches is the same as the other teams. Castro a kid who’s playing well, who’s adapting to Italian football, and he’s done well in recent matches.

“Castellanos was in that position, but due to an injury we decided on Castro; he’s physically strong, has good movement, and can contribute . He’s a newcomer; he’ll have to adapt. If we need him to come in, that’s fine, and it’s a joy.”

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Thursday where he spoke about the team and the starting line-up against Uruguay.

Lionel Scaloni commented on the team and the starting eleven for the team’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay on Friday. Here is what he had to say:

“Whenever there is a FIFA date, we are always alert. We knew there were several injured players and the possibility of losing some of them.

“We must think about what we have and the opportunity for the players who are with us today. The plans we had 15 days ago are useless and that’s why we had to plan the match again.

“The starting lineup for tomorrow is 90% decided. I’ll have it ready in the afternoon after the training but I already have an idea.

“We are going to face a difficult opponent like Uruguay, always keeping our ideas in mind.

“We know how Marcelo (Bielsa)’s teams play, always attacking and looking for the opponent’s goal. We are looking for the same thing, to play a good game and try to counteract what they can do.

“With the players we have out, it could be an opportunity for some guys to show their value, to analyze them for what is to come, beyond the result”.

Lautaro Martínez is out for Argentina and will miss both matches against Uruguay and Brazil.

Martínez has widthdrawn from the Argentina national team for the March World Cup qualifying matches due to an injury. The official Argentina social media account stated that Lautaro is out due to a muscle injury in his lower left hamstring.

Giuliano Simeone could start for Argentina against Uruguay.

Simeone has chances of being in the Argentina starting eleven in the World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay on Friday. According to Leandro Alves of ESPNArgentina, the 22 year old’s chances of being in the starting eleven are increasing.

Both Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala are not part of the team due to injuries and Lautaro Martínez is not expected to play for Argentina against Uruguay on Friday.