Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni has called for more rest for teams during the final stages of the World Cup. The defending champions face a grueling schedule in the knockout phases, with Argentina needing to win five games in 17 days if they are to reach the final. Lionel Messi, who has scored seven goals in La Albiceleste’s four wins so far, is under extra pressure to maintain his impressive form.
Argentina beat Cape Verde on Friday before prevailing 3-2 after extra time against them in Miami. The extra 30 minutes were played in searing heat and many players suffered from cramp. Scaloni said at his pre-match press conference that the rest period was not ideal, as Argentina will now play Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Scaloni believes the unique challenges of a World Cup spread across three countries and 16 host cities, with various time zones and wildly different climates, are allowing smaller sides to compete. He added that this World Cup is challenging due to travel, heat, pitches, and other factors preventing any single team from clearly standing out as the overwhelming favorite.
Scaloni confirmed Messi is fit to start despite playing the full 120 minutes just four days ago. Leandro Paredes is set to come into the side, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to play in a more advanced role.