Argentina is one win away from the World Cup semifinals.

After surviving tougher-than-expected tests against Cape Verde and Egypt, the defending champions now face Switzerland, who advanced after defeating Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout following extra time.

Ahead of the quarterfinal, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni met with reporters to discuss Lionel Messi’s form, tactical decisions, Switzerland’s challenge, Spain’s rise, and the conspiracy theories that continue to surround Argentina’s run.

Scaloni hints at lineup continuity

Scaloni suggested Argentina could stick with the same starting lineup but left the door open to a small adjustment.

“I’ve repeated the same lineup before, so it wouldn’t be surprising. There could also be a change or two. It’ll be something similar to the last game.”

Scaloni agrees with Lamine Yamal

Asked about Spain star Lamine Yamal calling a potential Spain-France meeting “the real final,” Scaloni said he understood the sentiment.

“I agree. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what he said. Even before the World Cup, we were saying they were among the favorites. Spain deserved to beat Belgium earlier, and France took a big step forward against Morocco. Unfortunately, only one of them can reach the final.”

Reflecting on Argentina’s 2021 Copa América triumph over Brazil at the Maracanã, Scaloni said the anniversary caught him by surprise.

“I didn’t realize it had already been five years. I always say winning isn’t everything because the teams before us also did a great job, but that victory changed something for us. Without that final, people would still be saying Argentina always came close. It was a huge release, especially for the players who had come up short several times.”

He also explained that every personnel decision has been made with the team’s best interests in mind.

“The changes we’ve made have all been about improving the team. We made some adjustments. At the beginning of camp, things looked pretty bleak because of injuries, although nobody outside knew it, but we managed to overcome it.”

Switzerland presents another difficult test

Scaloni dismissed any suggestion that Switzerland would be an easy opponent.

“There are no easy games or identical opponents. Switzerland is a very good team. They always compete, they have tradition and experienced players. They’re here for a reason. Physically, they’re especially strong.”

He also praised the partnership between Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez after using them together against Egypt.

“I have a very positive opinion of both of them. They’ve done even more than we’ve asked. Normally only one starts, but the other day they played together and gave us a lot. It’s another weapon. I don’t know if it’ll be from the start, but it’s definitely on my mind.”

Scaloni admitted having his family around during the tournament has been an emotional boost.

“I told them not to come, but deep down it helps me. Having them here is a release.”

The legacy he hopes Argentina leaves behind

When asked how he wants this Argentina team to be remembered, Scaloni focused on determination rather than trophies.

“I want people to remember us as a team that was never satisfied. I want every kid cheering in the streets to believe they can one day be here. I’ve never coached at the club level, but coaching a national team is about passion.”

Looking at the tournament as a whole, Scaloni praised both Spain and France while expressing confidence in Argentina’s own performances.

“Spain deserved its victory. France made a real statement and has shown its quality. As for us, we’re playing well. Other than the Cape Verde match, I thought we played better against Egypt. In Qatar we beat Croatia 3-0, but they controlled the game more than Egypt did. If we have one advantage over 2022, it’s that we already have the experience of winning a World Cup.”

Scaloni explains why Messi remains the best

Scaloni dismissed concerns over Messi’s physical condition and argued that his influence has never depended on how much he runs.

“Leo always runs about the same amount. It’s not that he’s running more or less. The difference is that he’s even more decisive now, and the team helps him a lot. He prepared well, and it’s paying off. He’s giving everything he has.”

He also referenced comments from former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry.

“Henry said that when Messi senses danger, he becomes a machine. That doesn’t surprise me. People who don’t know him probably wouldn’t expect him to still be the best. As long as he wants to keep playing, he’ll be the best. Sometimes my coaching staff and I wonder what he would’ve looked like under Pep Guardiola when he was 23.”

Why Spain keeps improving

Scaloni believes Spain is getting stronger with every match despite difficult playing conditions.

“Spain keeps improving. The conditions haven’t helped them. A dry field at 2 p.m. isn’t ideal for a team that moves the ball quickly. They’re doing a lot of things well, and they’re a dangerous team.”

Looking back at Argentina’s dramatic comeback against Egypt, Scaloni called it one of the most emotional matches he has ever experienced.

“That game ranks among the most emotional I’ve ever lived through. It was an incredible display. We’ve seen comebacks before, but doing it in a World Cup is different. It wasn’t just the starting 11. It was everyone who came off the bench and everyone else in the squad. People think this could be Messi’s last World Cup, and that makes moments like that even more emotional.”

He laughed when asked about Cristian Romero charging forward while Argentina was trailing 2-0.

“We were down 2-0. I’m not going to tell Cuti anything. We’ll let him have that one.”

Travel concerns at the World Cup

Scaloni also criticized the logistical demands placed on teams during the tournament.

“Our path through this World Cup has been very specific. If we’d finished second in the group, we would’ve been traveling all over the United States. Then there are the flights, equipment, delays, and time zone changes. I think Colombia has dealt with that. People think those things don’t matter once you step onto the field, but they do. I believe the final rounds should be organized differently because eventually you pay the price.”

Asked whether this Argentina team has reached the same level as the 2022 World Cup champions, Scaloni said comparisons are difficult.

“I couldn’t tell you because I never really evaluated our progression in Qatar, either. The team is playing well and creating chances. We just need to correct the things I mentioned earlier. Every opponent now plays the game of its life against us, and when they’re good, it becomes twice as difficult. We’ve learned to deal with that. You can’t always play as well as we did in Qatar.”

Scaloni dismisses conspiracy theories

Scaloni also rejected accusations that Argentina has benefited from favorable officiating.

“People were saying the same thing back in 1986. Ever since I can remember, Argentina has been accused because we’re always one of the tournament’s main contenders. There are plenty of people who don’t want us to win, and our players use that as motivation. With VAR, it’s very difficult for anyone to help you. Lisandro Martínez got stepped on, that’s a foul. The goal had to be disallowed. There’s no favoritism. These days it’s very hard for that to happen.”

Finally, Scaloni emphasized that the team’s bond off the field has been just as important as its talent.

“The human side makes all the hard work worthwhile. It helps when you’re tired. Of course, if you don’t have great players, togetherness alone isn’t enough, but for us it’s been essential.”

He also addressed hydration breaks and Messi’s freedom on the field.

“The cooling breaks aren’t ideal, but we adapt. The coaching staff gets together and talks. I’d rather the game didn’t stop, especially when the intensity is high.”

Asked about Messi’s role on penalties and in open play, Scaloni smiled.

“It would never cross my mind to tell him what to do. He can do whatever he wants. We adjust around him. He didn’t tell us anything. We just noticed he was creating danger on the right side, and that was enough.”

Team chemistry remains Argentina’s foundation

Scaloni closed by highlighting one tradition he believes has strengthened Argentina throughout the tournament: gathering for barbecues.

“We’ll never stop telling the players that those are the moments they’ll remember most because they’ll never experience them again. I love seeing teammates get together, have a barbecue, play cards, and enjoy each other’s company. If you can’t appreciate those moments, you’re burned out. I’ve been part of World Cups and great teams because I was a good teammate, not because I was the best player. Some people only care about what happens on the field. I still have great memories from my time playing in Malaysia. Beyond the results, those are the memories you keep. We believe that’s what builds a team, and it makes us stronger.”

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