"Messi and the World Cup? I haven't spoken to him, whatever he decides is fine"

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said on Monday that he had not spoken about the next World Cup with Lionel Messi, who has cast doubt on his participation in the tournament, and stated that he has a solid base for the squad for next year's North American tournament.

"I haven't spoken to Messi about the next World Cup. Whatever he decides is fine," the 'Albiceleste' coach said at a press conference on Monday.

"I'm not sure what percentage of the list I have today, but we're still a long way off. A lot can still happen, but we have a base; it won't be much different from that. When they tell us how many players will go to the World Cup, we'll make decisions. We have a base for the World Cup, everyone knows that already. It won't be much different from that," he insisted.

On the Ecuador team, Argentina's opponents this Tuesday in the final match of the South American World Cup qualifiers, he emphasised: "We're playing against a team that has been doing things well for some time. It's a good test for us. We're sure to make a few more changes, apart from those forced by Leo (Messi) and Cuti (Romero)." 

"I think those who have played less deserve to play, that's the idea. Lautaro Martínez will have a chance to play tomorrow, and we'll see in what system, and Alexis Mac Allister is available," he added.

"Ecuador are one of the best teams in the world and are going to make things difficult not only for us but for any team. They have had a very clear game for some time; first with Gustavo (Alfaro), then with Felix Sánchez Bas and now with Sebastian (Beccacece)," he pointed out.

Regarding the comparison between Argentina's performance in the qualifiers before the 2022 World Cup and the current ones, he said: "We played great matches with the team that won the World Cup and with this one too. Now, young players have come in who give us more verticality, some who play well with the ball. The idea of the game is no different, the identity is the same." 

"I think we have worked with the ideas we had from day one, which were a sense of belonging, playing without obligation and respect for teammates and the rest. These were the things we set out to do when we came here," he added.

When asked about his future after the next World Cup, the coach replied: "I'm thinking about what's coming now, I've never been one to think beyond that, it's not appropriate. We are focused on tomorrow's match, the friendlies and those to come. I'm fine now, and we'll see what happens."

Scaloni also referred to Nicolás Otamendi, who on Thursday played his last home match in the World Cup qualifiers: "He deserves the recognition, he has given us a huge hand. For us, he is a very important player; he will be remembered for everything he did. Yes, he will be the captain tomorrow against Ecuador."

Finally, Scaloni referred to Spain, their opponents in the Finalissima: "Luis de la Fuente's Spain are doing an exceptional job. They are one of the best teams and play a football that the fans like. Others are very good playing in another way."