The Argentine national football team arrived this Thursday in Angola, where they will play their last friendly match of the year against the local team, in a historic event for the African country. On this matter, Lionel Scaloni spoke earlier today at a press conference and confirmed the presence of Lionel Messi.
“Messi is expected to play, I don’t know for how many minutes, we’ll see; the people will be able to see him,” explained the national team coach to the media.
Regarding the unexpected absences from the squad list, the coach reiterated: “We replaced the absentees with young players we had been following and who could have the opportunity. It helps us to see them and reconfirm what we thought, that they can contribute.”
“I have already decided on the team, it will be a team I fully trust, one that has played together a lot. Many world champions will be on the field, and the fans will be able to enjoy it,” Scaloni detailed.
As for the opponent and the significance of the match, the coach said that “every match with the national team is important.” “We will play against a rival that hasn’t qualified (for the World Cup) but has done good things, a great last match against Cameroon. They have good players. We hope the public enjoys it; this is an important match for Angola because of the anniversary of their independence.”
“We like that the boys want to be here; this is a long trip. I know the Angolan players, they have well-known names in European leagues and, individually, they are good; if they function as a team, they can cause difficulties,” Scaloni added in more detail.
Additionally, the coach explained that for several of the called-up players, this is an opportunity to showcase themselves. “Many of our players are playing for a chance to be seen and to make the World Cup list. Nothing is given away; we will try to play a good match.”
