Argentina’s dominant 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico has left manager Lionel Scaloni impressed with the debutants who staked their claim for a spot in the World Cup squad next summer. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez both scored braces in the match, while Lionel Messi returned to the national team with two assists.
Scaloni made nine changes to the team that beat Venezuela, giving debuts to Jose Lopez, Lautaro Rivero, Anibal Moreno, and Facundo Cambeses. This brings the total number of debuts under Scaloni to 55, showcasing his willingness to give new players a chance on the international stage.
Messi’s performance was also noteworthy, as he contributed two assists and set a new record for international assists, surpassing Neymar. The 38-year-old maestro continues to dazzle on the pitch, showcasing his skill and vision in every match.
Scaloni praised Messi’s return to the squad and highlighted the team’s strong performance against Puerto Rico. Despite facing a lower-ranked opponent, Argentina displayed their quality and preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
The match statistics reflected Argentina’s dominance, with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.87 compared to Puerto Rico’s 0.21. Scaloni emphasized the importance of intense training sessions and maintaining a high level of play regardless of the opponent.
Overall, Argentina’s convincing victory and the impressive performances of the debutants have given Scaloni plenty to think about as he plans for future matches and competitions. The Albiceleste continue to showcase their talent and depth as they aim for success on the international stage.
