Argentina relishing tough Copa America defence, says Scaloni

By Sports Desk June 20, 2024

Lionel Scaloni says Argentina are not resting on their laurels as they prepare for a tough Copa America title defence.

The Albiceleste won the 2021 edition of the tournament, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final, before lifting the World Cup in Qatar a year later.

Argentina are among the favourites to lift the trophy again, for what would be a record 16th time, edging past Uruguay, who also have 15.

However, Scaloni believes they need to put their recent successes behind them ahead of their opening game against Canada on Thursday.

"We are talking about things that have already passed. [Winning the World Cup and the Copa America] was very nice, but it's over," he said in his press conference.

"Football matches are all different, there are no easier games than others. A lot of things can happen. The difficulty of France, Brazil or Canada can be the same.

"It will be a difficult Copa America as always; we are prepared for what is to come. We are doing well, with clear ideas and knowing the difficulty of this tournament.

"Beyond the titles, we have enjoyed a lot. It's a pleasure to watch how [the players] give their all. That leads to being able to achieve things. We have shown that even if we didn't win like in 2019, we were able to continue and show you can do things."

Lionel Messi, who is set to break the all-time appearance record in the competition when he features for Argentina, is potentially playing in his final major tournament for the national side, while Angel Di Maria announced he will be retiring at its conclusion.

Instead of looking to a future without the two star players in his squad, Scaloni urged fans to enjoy getting to see them play together while they still can.

"It is a pleasure to see them train and play, how they give themselves. I am not worried about the future of Messi and Di Maria.

"It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now. We'll see what happens later. Messi is fine, he's happy. I have renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title."

Argentina will also face Chile and Peru in Group A.

Related items

  • 'You can't build a team overnight' – Brazil boss Dorival Junior convinced his way is the right way 'You can't build a team overnight' – Brazil boss Dorival Junior convinced his way is the right way

    Brazil are "convinced" they will come good at the Copa America, as they aim to get back on track after a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, so says Dorival Junior.

    The Selecao were frustrated in their opening Group D match, accumulating 1.71 expected goals and having 19 shots, though only three were on target. 

    With Colombia having started their campaign with a win over Paraguay, the pressure is on Brazil to deliver when they face the same opponent on Friday. 

    Coach Dorival, though, urged for calm heads and a touch of patience.

    He told reporters: "It's natural that we all expected a slightly different result in the last game, but we can't fail to appreciate how we performed. The way we put our opponents in their defence.

    "I am convinced of what we are doing and what we are achieving. It is work we have just started, but I think we are progressing in a balanced way.

    "We have to be calm, balanced and confident. If every game we have doubts about everything we are doing, we will get nowhere.

    "We need to understand it's a time of change, of transition, you can't build a team overnight.

    "It's a natural process. The team has shown more positives than negatives in every match, not just the last one."

    Brazil will need more cutting edge than they showed on matchday one. 

    They made 695 passes in their opening match, more than any other team in the first round of the competition.

    The omens are not brilliant, either. Brazil and Paraguay have drawn their last four encounters in the Copa America. These four draws represent the longest consecutive streak of draws between two teams in the history of the competition.

  • Man Utd part ways with captain Zelem Man Utd part ways with captain Zelem

    Manchester United have confirmed the departure of captain Katie Zelem.

    England international Zelem has spent six years with United, helping them gain promotion to the WSL in her first season.

    Zelem has scored 32 goals in 161 appearances for the club, and led them to a maiden Women's FA Cup triumph in 2023-24.

    However, she is now set for pastures new, with the 28-year-old joining forward Lucia Garcia in departing upon the expiration of her contract.

    "Everyone at Manchester United would like to place on record their thanks to Katie for her excellent service and wish her the best of luck in the next phase of her career," a club statement read.

    Zelem and Garcia do not appear to be the only big names who will be leaving United after the end of their current deals, with England goalkeeper Mary Earps reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Foden heading back to Germany following birth of third child Foden heading back to Germany following birth of third child

    England star Phil Foden was set to join back up with his team-mates on Thursday, according to reports.

    Foden left England's Euro 2024 camp on Wednesday due to a "pressing family matter".

    It was subsequently confirmed Foden was attending the birth of his third child.

    The 24-year-old was then travelling back to Germany late on Thursday.

    England face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.

    Foden has started all three of England's matches at the tournament so far, though the Premier League Player of the Season has so far failed to find his best form.

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.