Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke with host Alejandro Fantino for Neura Media and commented on Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Nico Paz and the possibility of coaching a club in the future.

Reflecting on his first contact with Messi as an interim coach, he said:

“When Pablo [Aimar] and I were interim coaches, we called Messi over video to explain our vision. He was happy, especially because he has a lot of respect for Pablo. We told him we wanted him with us for those six games, that we were creating the right conditions for him, even though he didn’t know if he would return.”

On Paulo Dybala, Scaloni commented:

“My son loves Dybala. He celebrates goals like him and imitates him. I see it all the time.”

Talking about his approach to young players like Nico Paz, he mentioned:

“We told Nico, ‘Go out and do what you know. If you make mistakes, it’s no problem.’ Every new kid has to sing; they made Nico get on a table, and Garnacho too. This helps the group accept them and makes them feel at ease. The strength of the Argentina squad is in the group.”

Regarding his future in coaching, the Albiceleste coach said,

“The day I’m no longer with the national team, I’m open to coaching any club. People always link me to Boca… but my kids are River fans.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke with host Alejandro Fantino for Neura Media, admitting he was close to leaving the national team after their win over Brazil in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Here’s what Scaloni said about his unexpected comments at the November 2023 press conference following Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium:

“Last year, after the match against Brazil at the Maracanã, I wasn’t feeling right with myself; I wasn’t comfortable. Certain fears came to mind that I hadn’t had before.

“I didn’t talk to anyone about it. I kept it to myself and felt I needed to reflect because I wasn’t at 100%, wasn’t comfortable. I needed to take a step back and reflect. Everything that had happened weighed on me, and maybe that’s when I started to process it all.

“What I went through may have created some anxiety. I talk a lot with my coaching staff and my wife. When you stop to think, we’ve already achieved something unimaginable in terms of titles, and then you wonder, ‘What’s next?’ We always want more, people always want more. But what would be more than this?

“I was close to leaving because I wasn’t in a good place. There’s no point being somewhere if you’re not yourself. The people I work with need me to be honest. I spoke up, said what I felt, and they told me to take some time. With time, I realized that everyone would support and help me, so we decided to continue. I renewed the energy I’d supposedly lost.”

Galatasaray has confirmed that Mauro Icardi suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his right knee during the Europa League match against Tottenham.

The injury occurred when Icardi pressed Tottenham’s goalkeeper Fraser Forster late in the game. Attempting to intercept the ball, Icardi made an awkward movement with his knee and fell to the ground in pain. Medics attended to him, but he was unable to continue and was replaced by Michy Batshuayi.

Icardi addressed the situation on social media, confirming the injury:

“After undergoing tests this morning, the worst news was confirmed: ACL and meniscus tear. I’ll be out for a few months, but I’ll tackle this with a smile, working hard to come back better. I wish my teammates and the entire Galatasaray family a season filled with success and achievements. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and support during this time. Much love to all, I’ll be back soon.”

The 31-year-old Argentine will undergo surgery in the coming days and is expected to be in recovery for several months.