Scaloni: "We didn’t expect Lisandro to get injured."

In the 11th round of the South American World Cup qualifiers, Paraguay will face Argentina. Ahead of the match, Argentina's head coach, Scaloni, attended a press conference.



On the team lineup 
Scaloni: "I have basically decided on the lineup, which will be similar to the last match against Bolivia. I haven't confirmed with the players yet, I still have some doubts."  

On the opponent, Paraguay  
Scaloni: "This will be a very tough match. The opponent is in good form and having a good moment. In any match, the midfield is key, and I believe this will be no different from other games."  

On Paredes' limited playing time at Roma
Scaloni: "I haven't discussed Paredes' current situation. We only started training yesterday, and today is the most important training session. We are focusing more on preparing for the match. We don't intervene in every player's situation, whether they change teams or stay, we don't get involved. We focus on their current performance. Indeed, he hasn't gotten the playing time he wanted."  

On the busy schedule  
Scaloni: "The national team has paid the price for this. Aside from the Copa América or the World Cup, national team matches are rare. Almost every club has a game every three days, and this has had an impact. As national team coaches, we are powerless, and we have to sit down and figure out how to solve this. We just finished the Copa América without rest, which is normal. The players have gone through a huge physical toll."  

On Barenechea 
Scaloni: "Barenechea is a midfielder who can play in the center, as a double pivot, or as an 8. He has great physical attributes, and playing with us, gaining experience at Valencia, and accumulating match experience is good for him. Calling him up is not only because of his performances but also to look for players who can work with us in the future. He has already trained with us, and we will continue to observe him. What’s important is his relationship with the new teammates."  

On having used 49 players in the national team 
Scaloni: "If so many young players have been called up, it's because they have potential. Argentina is a cradle for players, and we have the responsibility to give them opportunities to play for the national team. After that, whether they wear the jersey and continue wearing it depends on them. The opportunity is still there. What we provide is the foundation, and we’ll bring them in at the right time."  

On Paraguay coach Alfaro's comparison of the environments between Argentina and Paraguay  
Scaloni: "I understand that his point is that Argentina can always cause problems for them. Regarding Paraguay, I think they are difficult to deal with not only when they are at home but also because they have excellent players. This is not a team of unknown players; most of their players play for important clubs abroad. We all know what Alfaro's teams are like. They are well-organized and know exactly how they want to play, which makes them very tough to face."  

On Lisandro Martínez's injury  
Scaloni: "We didn’t expect Lisandro to get injured. Clearly, he only felt pain at first, but it worsened when he got here, and after examination, it was clear he couldn’t play. So, we called up Facundo Medina. I want to emphasize that he bought his own ticket. This is praiseworthy. He’s great because he wasn’t even in the initial squad, but he went to his coach, bought the ticket, and was here this morning. This is an inspiration for all his teammates."  

On Emiliano Martínez returning to the national team  
Scaloni: "Emiliano Martínez is in good form, and we are happy to have him back. He always brings that positive energy."  

On the possible expansion of the Argentine league to 30 teams
Scaloni: "I’m not the right person to judge whether this is good or bad. I shouldn’t get involved in these matters. The Argentina national team is not affected by the number of league teams. Most of the players come from abroad, but that’s my personal decision, not because of the number of teams in the league."  

On Messi being eliminated early in the MLS playoffs  
Scaloni: "I don’t know when those matches will end if they reach the finals, but we’re talking about a difference of only two weeks, and it doesn’t mean much. It won’t affect the national team. We have a match this month, and then the next one is in March. There’s no impact on the rest time."  

On influencer Spreen making his debut at Lestrela Sports 
Scaloni: "I think everyone shares the same thought with me. I consider my debut in a top league as one of the best moments of my life. It’s not easy to reach that level. I believe the ethics committee will handle this matter, and I hope it becomes a case. Please don’t let this happen again, for the good of football. I don’t think this should happen again."