Scaloni says only Messi and one other have their places guaranteed in the Copa América

The March FIFA international window came to a close, and the Argentine national team bids farewell to the United States with another victory over their counterparts from Costa Rica, maintaining their pace towards the 2024 Copa América. In the post-match press conference, Lionel Scaloni emphasised a crucial detail and sent a message to his players.

Messi and Di Maria get special mention

“In the world of football, one never knows. Guaranteeing a spot in the Copa América to none of those present here. Only to the one who didn’t come [Messi], the rest sweat it out. Well, ‘El Fideo’ [Di María] too. He also has it guaranteed.”

Regarding the team’s performance against La Sele, Scaloni was positive, and he likely already knows a few more of his starters come the summer.

“It has served us greatly. I’ve seen a very mature team, because we faced difficulty, we found ourselves trailing in the match, and the team in the second half put together 20 or 25 very good minutes. I’m pleased with that because we will encounter these types of matches, and it serves us well.”

Concerning the midfield options available with players like Enzo, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, among others, Scaloni was explicit.

“The team has always had many midfielders, players with good footwork. We’ve always had them; in this instance, Exequiel (Palacios) didn’t come, Guido (Rodriguez) is out. Thiago (Almada) is with the U-23s. We’re fairly well covered; if someone’s performance drops, there’s another ready to play. No one should relax because we select the player we believe is in the best form.”

Lautaro Martínez ends his drought

Another positive aspect for La Albiceleste during the March FIFA international window was Lautaro Martínez’s return to scoring, as he stated to TyC Sports.

“Despite trying to avoid those things [regarding the drought], sometimes you think about it, it’s always on your mind. It’s a reward for tranquility, for hard work. Thanks to the coaching staff and my teammates who are always close to me.”

“My family tries to keep me away, to divert me from those topics. Because ultimately, those are the things that make you a bit nervous or anxious to score, but nothing, I worked, and this is the result of the hard work,” concluded the Inter Milan forward. Now, the Argentine footballers must return to their clubs to finish the season and arrive in the best possible form for a summer where they will defend the Copa América.