Scaloni: No Change in Tactics Against Egypt, Messi Ready to Start

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has confirmed that his team will approach the Round of 16 match against Egypt in the 2026 World Cup with confidence in their usual style. He emphasized that the presence of Egyptian stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush will not lead him to alter his playing philosophy, while also confirming that captain Lionel Messi is ready to start.

Scaloni stated in the press conference: "We have the flexibility to play in different styles during the same match. The lineup we will start with tomorrow will be very similar to what you have seen from us in previous matches. Of course, we need to be extremely cautious and focused against players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, but we will not change our fundamental game plan because of them."

He added: "If the match requires adjustments later on, you have seen that we have done that before, and we can do it again without any problem."

Scaloni also commented on Brazil's exit from the tournament against Norway, noting that football is decided by small details. He said: "If Endrick had scored when the score was still 0-0, we would be talking about something else today; that is the reality of football."

In conclusion, Scaloni confirmed that Messi is ready to participate from the start against Egypt, stating: "Messi is in good shape. He hasn't complained about anything, even after playing a full 120 minutes in our last match at the age of thirty-nine. He hasn't told me that anything is bothering him, so he will play tomorrow as usual."