"Still unclear if the ball moves" - Argentina coach Scaloni on Alvarez penalty controversy

As Argentina prepare to face Uruguay and Brazil in the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers, head coach Lionel Scaloni attended a press conference to answer the media's questions. Julian Alvarez's penalty controversy in the Champions League last 16 was one of the topics that came up during the session.

The Atletico forward was deemed by VAR to have kicked the ball twice, touching it with his standing foot as he slipped before striking to score. The decision to rule out Alvarez's spot-kick proved costly as Real Madrid went on to win the shootout 4-2 after a 2-2 draw on aggregate, qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Arsenal.

Asked to comment on the situation Scaloni said: "Julian is a good guy and gives any manager plenty of options. He has an important role in Atletico. In terms of what happened, today this day it remains unclear whether the ball moves or not, whether it's in play or not. It needs to be clearer for the verdict to be given." Since the scandal, UEFA have confirmed that they would reconsider a potential change for the rule.

The 46-year-old manager was also asked about the big misses from the 'Alibeceleste' for these internationals, with eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi ruled out with injury alongside Martinez, Montiel, Dybala and Lo Celso. "Unfortunately, Messi couldn't be here. He got injured and we were waiting until the last moment for a verdict," he said. "I’ve been talking with him. He hasn’t been well with his adductor for a while. It’s a shame, we know what he means to us."

Despite the big misses Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho still missed out on the call-up, with Bologna's Benjamin Dominguez getting the nod over him. "We decided to call up Dominguez over Garnacho to be able to see him, he brings something we didn't have," Scaloni explained. "He is doing well, he can play as a winger on the right or left, and he easily gets past defenders."