Ángel Di María could play his last home match with the Argentina national team tonight.
Di María could be playing his last match in Argentina with the national team against Uruguay in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier. Argentina play Brazil after their match against Uruguay and their next two matches would be in March.
The two friendly matches in March would be played in Europe and Argentina’s next matches would be the 2024 Copa America which is where Di Maria is expected to retire from the national team.
Already 35 years old, Di María played his first match with the Argentina national team against Paraguay at home in September 2008, a 1-1 draw. His first goal with Argentina at home was in a 5-0 win vs. Canada before the 2010 World Cup.
Lucas Ocampos felt discomfort and will not play for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Ocampos felt discomfort in Wednesday’s training session and will not play on Thursday. According to TyC Sports, Ocampos was not going to start for Argentina and will now not make the bench.
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a training session on Wednesday and the rumored starting eleven has Julián Álvarez and Nicolás González starting.
The Argentina national team will be playing against Uruguay on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier and coach Lionel Scaloni could have decided on the team. According to TyC Sports, the attack will be Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez.
Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez would start the match against Uruguay on the bench. Here is the rumored eleven:
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Nicolás González, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez
Javier Zanetti commented on Lionel Messi and if he thinks he could play the next World Cup.
Zanetti spoke about the Best player in the world, praising him. Speaking in an interview with TyC Sports, here is what Zanetti had to say about how Messi stays in shape:
“It’s a little of everything. The work, the city, the respect for the profession, the love for football and the passion.
“I see Messi truly very happy. He looks in good shape and eager to continue playing football, which is what he loves the most. Hopefully he will continue playing for a few more years because one who loves football enjoys watching him play.”
He was also asked if he thinks Messi could play the next World Cup with the Argentina national team:
“I am someone who thinks that you have to live in the present. And if Messi’s present is to be in one piece, it is very likely that between now and the World Cup, he will continue to feel the same way, wanting to continue playing and wanting to play in another World Cup. We have to take it little by little and take care of him. Above all, we have to make him feel at ease and have the desire to continue competing.”
Lionel Scaloni spoke about the Argentina national team and the two matches in the World Cup qualifiers.
Scaloni held a press conference on Wednesday here he spoke about Lionel Messi but the coach also spoke about the team. Argentina play Uruguay on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier and here is what he had to say:
“We are not thinking about Brazil because we have Uruguay before, they are a very difficult opponent. We think about giving our best, it is one game at a time. Brazil will be after Uruguay, the important match is the next one.
“We have a marked way, after that, time will tell. There are different opinions, some say he plays very well, others say he could play better. That will be for you to analyze.
“We have to keep trying to improve and provide a style that people can identify with.”
He was also asked about the starting eleven against Uruguay:
“I’m going to decide the team this evening but in general, it’s the team that has been playing and I don’t think there will be many changes.”
The coach also spoke about the players being called up and Alejandro Garnacho not part of the team:
“Playing in Europe is not a condition to be called up. Thiago became a World champion while playing in the United States. What is important is that to play with the national team, you have to be a player that we need, in a position in which we have a problem or can improve.
“As long as the team is the way it is now, it is difficult to add players. The local league is playing and it doesn’t make sense to take players out for the sake of taking players out. There are interesting young players and when we beleive they can have a chance, they will have it, we have no doubt. We are convinced that we have no reason to change.
“The reason for not calling up Alejandro Garnacho? Him not being called up is due to a form issue. During the last call ups, he did not get minutes and we have to think about the human aspect as well too. It’s great that everyone wants to be here. He is a kid who is on our radar, he will continue to be. He’s just starting out and has a huge future.”
About who will start between Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez:
“We will make the decision on the nine based on what we think is best for the match. We already know they have played together but in this game I don’t think so. We have pretty much decided.”
He was asked about Pablo Maffeo and Francisco Ortega:
“Pablo and Pancho being called up is because we have been following them and we are here with problems in those positions. They appear to be interesting options for us. Pablo we have been following since before the Copa America, we know him and we believe it is the opportunity for him to work with us.”
Regarding playing against Marcelo Bielsa, the Uruguay coach:
“Being able to play against Bielsa and greet him, having been with him and having known him and more that we come from Newell’s, he’s a reference. It’s a joy and a satisfaction. Everyone who passed by him is marked. It’s a satisfaction to be able to play against him and greet him.”
