Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed that their captain, Lionel Messi, requested to be substituted late in the second half of their World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador due to discomfort. Messi is set to undergo medical examinations on Friday to determine the extent and nature of his condition.
Scaloni addressed the situation during a press conference following Argentina's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the inaugural match of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. He stated unequivocally, "He asked me for the substitution. If not, I wouldn't have replaced him. It's obvious. Afterwards, we will assess to see what he has, but he asked for the change."
When queried about Messi's potential availability for the upcoming match against Bolivia, scheduled for the second day of the qualifiers, Scaloni indicated that Messi would indeed undergo comprehensive medical tests. The outcome of these tests would determine whether he would participate in the fixture in La Paz. Scaloni emphasized the need to await the test results and assess Messi's condition before making any definitive decisions, recognizing the recent nature of the situation.
Reflecting on their opponents, Scaloni acknowledged Ecuador as a formidable team, highlighting their ability to create challenges for formidable opponents like the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He praised his team's performance in the match against Ecuador, emphasizing the players' commitment and their desire to secure victory. Scaloni underscored the fundamental principle in football, stating, "That's basic in football: don't rest on your laurels."
The coach also celebrated his five-year tenure as the head of the national team, marking this significant milestone in his career. The developments surrounding Messi's condition have added an element of uncertainty to Argentina's campaign in the World Cup qualifiers, but the team remains focused on their quest for success in the upcoming matches, awaiting the medical assessment of their star player.
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