Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has insisted there will be no room for complacency when the reigning world champions face Cape Verde in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament newcomers as a disciplined and dangerous side.
Speaking ahead of the knockout fixture in Miami on Thursday, Scaloni said Argentina understood the challenge that awaited them despite an impressive group-stage campaign.
Argentina progressed comfortably from the group phase and are among the favourites to lift the trophy. However, Scaloni stressed that knockout football leaves little margin for error.
“We are in a good moment, but now the margins are very small. This is a match where if you lose, you’re out. We know that,” he said.
The Argentina manager praised Cape Verde for earning their place in the knockout rounds, saying their progress had not come as a surprise to his coaching staff.
Cape Verde became the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage after securing three draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Although they failed to record a victory, Scaloni believes their performances showed they deserved to advance.
He said the African side had been particularly impressive against Saudi Arabia and had defended with great organisation against both Spain and Uruguay.
According to Scaloni, Cape Verde are well organised without the ball, close down central areas effectively and pose a genuine threat on the counter-attack through technically gifted players.
Argentina’s attack has largely been inspired by Lionel Messi, who has scored six of the team’s eight goals in the tournament to share the lead in the Golden Boot race with France’s Kylian Mbappe.
Even so, Scaloni rejected suggestions that Argentina rely too heavily on their captain for goals.
He argued that while Messi naturally attracts most of the attention because of his quality, Argentina continue to create chances for several attacking players. Whether Messi lines up alongside Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez, the objective remains for the entire forward line to contribute.
Messi was rested for Argentina’s final group match as the coaching staff sought to manage his workload before the knockout rounds. The 39-year-old is expected to return to the starting line-up against Cape Verde.
When asked whether Messi would be able to play the full match, particularly if the contest went into extra time in Miami’s demanding conditions, Scaloni refused to make predictions.
He said it was impossible to know in advance how the game would unfold or how the forward would feel during the match.
Scaloni added that Messi had been performing at a high level throughout the tournament and expressed hope that he would once again make a significant impact as Argentina begin their bid to defend the World Cup title.
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