Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentina national team, warned against underestimating Cape Verde before the two teams face off in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.
Argentina
Scaloni emphasized that the Cape Verde national team deserves to be in the knockout stages, after their impressive results in the group stage.
Scaloni said in the press conference: "We are going through a good period, but the differences have become very small."
He added, "This is a knockout match, and losing means the end. Cape Verde is a good team, and we know them well, and they did not reach here by chance."
The Cape Verde national team managed to qualify without defeat, after drawing with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Scaloni explained, "Cape Verde presented strong performances and deserved to win in some matches."
He continued, "They deserved to win against Saudi Arabia and defended well against Spain and Uruguay."
He stressed, "They are good at closing spaces and counterattacks, and they have distinguished players."
Scaloni revealed, "What Messi offers is more apparent, but he is not the only striker. We create many opportunities and aim to score goals through all players."
Messi had been rested in the last group stage match, and he is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Scaloni concluded his statements, "The number of minutes Messi will play cannot be determined now; it depends on the course of the match and his condition."
