“We’ve done it before, we’re open to doing it again” - Lionel Scaloni keen to try new-look attack involving Lionel Messi against Bolivia
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that he plans on testing out a new attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez. The manager made this point as his side continue their preparations for the visit of Bolivia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The reigning world champions stumbled slightly in their most recent World Cup qualifier away to Venezuela, playing out a 1-1 draw. The result in Maturin meant that while La Albiceleste remain top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, they have failed to win their last two games.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni spoke with the media ahead of the visit of Bolivia to Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. The manager revealed that he plans to unleash a new attacking configuration on the Bolivians in the game.
“We value the possibility of playing with Julián, Lautaro, and Messi together. In 2019, Kun, Lautaro, and Leo played. We’ve done it before. We’re open to doing it again.”
Scaloni pointed out that Lionel Messi has played alongside Sergio Aguero and Martinez in the past, and he will replace Aguero with Julian Alvarez. The manager seems prepared to unleash his best goalscorers on Bolivia after seeing his side score just two goals in their last two games.
Lautaro Martinez was Argentina's star in the 2024 Copa America, scoring five goals in six games to lead the side to glory as Messi struggled with injuries. The Inter Milan man has not managed to carry that form to his club, as he has just three goals this season.
Like Martinez, Julian Alvarez has struggled to find his best form at the start of the 2024-25 season with Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old also has three goals in 11 appearances for his new club this season.
"Maybe I'm disrespecting Pele" - Guardiola declares Lionel Messi as best ever
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer ever. The former Barcelona star recently extended his impressive trophy record to 46 by leading Inter Miami to the Supporters' Shield title in the MLS.
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a hugely successful playing career, starring for Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and the Argentine national team. The forward played under Guardiola at the Nou Camp between 2009 and 2012, winning two UEFA Champions League crowns. The manager told Che Tempo Che Fa that he believes Messi is the greatest ever.
“Leo Messi is the best football player ever. Maybe I’m disrespecting Pelé and Diego Maradona but I can’t imagine anyone like Messi, with his consistency. He’s unique”,
Messi has won the Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, eight times, more than any other player in the sport's history. The 37-year-old has also won trophies with club and country, including the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and multiple Copa Americas.