Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that star player Lionel Messi will be available for the World Cup qualifiers in October. This optimism comes after Messi, who is 37 years old, suffered a right ankle injury during the Copa América final against Colombia on July 14. Despite this setback, Messi has recently resumed training with Inter Miami and there is a possibility that he could make an appearance in the MLS game against Philadelphia on Saturday.
In Messi’s absence, Argentina managed to secure a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile, further solidifying their position at the top of the qualifying group. The reigning World Cup champions are currently four points ahead of Uruguay as they prepare to face Colombia in Barranquilla on Tuesday. Despite Messi’s absence, coach Scaloni expressed satisfaction with how the team has performed.
Scaloni acknowledged the challenge of not relying too heavily on Messi’s individual brilliance. He emphasized the importance of having a cohesive team strategy that can function effectively regardless of who is on the field. While Messi undoubtedly brings a unique skill set to the team, Scaloni believes that the squad is capable of executing their game plan even in his absence.
As Argentina continues their quest to qualify for the World Cup, Scaloni remains optimistic about Messi’s potential return. He expressed the team’s intention to stay in contact with Messi and assess his availability for future matches. The upcoming squad list in October will reveal whether Messi will be able to rejoin the national team as they strive towards their World Cup goals.
Overall, Scaloni’s confidence in the team’s ability to perform well without Messi highlights the depth and versatility of Argentina’s squad. While Messi’s presence undoubtedly adds a layer of excellence to the team, Scaloni’s emphasis on a collective team effort demonstrates a commitment to success even in challenging circumstances. As Argentina prepares for upcoming qualifiers, the hope of having Messi back on the field serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for the team and fans alike.
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