Argentina men’s national football team head coach Lionel Scaloni said that “a different World Cup begins” now for his team after securing a 3-1 win against Jordan in its last group stage game.

“We’re feeling positive after winning the first three games, mainly because we’ve been able to have everyone play,” he said. 

Scaloni insisted that having every field player get some minutes was one of the coaching staff’s goals.

“We feel that everyone deserves to play in the World Cup, not just be part of the team. Everyone played a good match, and we know that we can count on all of them,” he said.

The Albiceleste coach refused to rate his team but said he feels they’re “doing well.”

He was, however, adamant that things will change for the team as they enter the knockout stages, where rest between matches will shorten and injuries can prove tournament-ending.

“We’ll play in Miami, where it’s very hot at a hard-to-explain time. But everyone has played there, so we can’t complain,” he added.

Asked about his decision to bench team star and captain Lionel Messi, Scaloni said it was something he discussed with the player and to which both agreed.

“He could’ve played 90 minutes, but he chose to allow his teammates to have some minutes and think about what’s coming,” said Scaloni. “That speaks to who he is and how little he cares about all those numbers people love.”

The Argentina boss also highlighted the good game of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who scored in what was his World Cup debut. 

“I’d be lying if I tell you that Giovani isn’t one of the most popular guys around here,” he said, adding that the staff was eager to give him a chance after he missed the 2022 World Cup in a “tough way.”

He highlighted how Lo Celso visited and supported his teammates in Qatar, saying it was “the kind of gesture you don’t forget about” and that the whole squad and coaching staff are “very happy for him.”

Lo Celso was only one of seven players making their debuts for Argentina at a World Cup, which proved a motive of pride for Scaloni.

“I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable moment for them,” he said. “I’m thrilled for them because I know they understand what it means to play for the national team.”

What lies ahead

Argentina will continue its World Cup campaign against tournament Cinderella Cape Verde, a team Scaloni isn’t quick to dismiss.

“I wasn’t surprised that Cape Verde qualified,” the Argentina boss insisted. “They gave all three teams they played a hard time. I watched them against Spain and a little bit against Uruguay, and I know they’ll be a tough rival.”

Scaloni said he’d “be lying” if he said that Cape Verde isn’t a good team that will give Argentina a tough time.

“In this World Cup, we’ve seen that you have to be careful,” he added. “They’re a good team that can play fast and has some good players. Some people may underestimate them, but I can assure you they’re a good team.”

Argentina and Cape Verde are set to clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on July 3 at 7 p.m. Argentina time