Argentina’s national team has adapted well to the occasional absence of Lionel Messi, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. Ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Colombia, Scaloni noted that the team no longer requires significant reshuffling when their captain is unavailable. This reflects a growing confidence and stability within the squad, even in challenging scenarios.
Messi, who has been an integral part of the Argentine team since his debut in 2005, missed crucial matches earlier this year against Uruguay and Brazil due to injury. However, Argentina successfully secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup during that international window, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
In recent qualifiers, Messi returned, contributing to Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile. Scaloni highlighted that the team is now capable of functioning effectively with or without Messi, a significant evolution from past years when his absence required major tactical adjustments.
Argentina has already qualified for the World Cup, while Colombia is positioned sixth in the qualifiers and seeking to improve their standing. The two teams last faced each other in a qualifier in September, where Colombia emerged victorious.
Scaloni praised Colombia’s capabilities, acknowledging their strong squad and structured playing style, which can pose challenges for any opponent. With both teams aiming for success, the upcoming match in Buenos Aires is anticipated to be an exciting encounter, especially with home support fueling Argentina’s efforts.
This positive outlook indicates Argentina’s readiness to face hurdles, highlighting not just dependency on its stars, but also the development of a robust, cohesive unit capable of thriving in competitive settings.
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