Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has stated that there was need to risk Messi.

Lionel Scaloni did not start Lionel Messi in Argentina’s 1-0 win vs. Ecuador. The Argentina national team coach spoke to the media after the win, discussing his reasoning not to start Messi. Here is what he had to say:

“There are times when there is no need to take risks, not only with Leo (Messi). Today, there are other players that didn’t play, like Otamendi. Di María had his minutes, Enzo came back after an operation.

“The idea is to take care of everyone a little and ensure that they arrive in optimal conditions. In some cases, like with Nahuel Molina, we didn’t want to risk it, because he is not 100% fit.”

Scaloni also spoke about the match. Here is what he had to say:

“I thought it was a good match on our part, and also on Ecuador’s part, very intense for being a friendly. We did what we had to do: try to dominate and handle the ball.”

About the players and the Argentina national team:

“These kids have it in their blood to compete every game. The beauty of this sport is that it always gives you the opportunity to show that you are still current or that you have to change.”

“This team showed that it always competes in any circumstance.”

Ángel Di María commented on Argentina’s 1-0 win vs. Ecuador.

Di María scored the only goal of the match for Argentina in their win. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what he had to say about his goal:

“I never thought that Cuti (Cristian Romero) was going to give it to me because the pass he made was terrific. It was a deserved win.”

In regards to the team and the Copa America:

“We have to continue working as always and stay as united as we are.

“Ecuador is an opponent that we can meet at the Copa America. We know that it is going to be more than a complicated tournament. Today was a good match to show how we are.

“The important thing is that we are well and with the hope of achieving more goals.”

Argentina will play Guatemala on Friday.