Argentina added another bold win to its record in La Paz, with the head coach outlining why the team decided not to field the playmaker often referred to as number 10 and how the squad managed the altitude’s challenges to secure a dominant result.
Once more, Lionel Scaloni demonstrated his steady hand. The recent victories by the Argentina national team against Bolivia in La Paz mark a pattern that stretches back to 2005 when Scaloni was on the field as a player and now in 2020 and 2023 when he was at the helm from the sidelines. This time around, the triumph was especially forceful, a 3-0 result that might have looked even more impressive had Messi been fully involved for the entire match.
Before heading from Ezeiza to the Bolivian capital, Scaloni had stated that Messi travels with the team and tends to play when he is fit. Yet Messi did not train with the group on Monday and his absence was confirmed just hours before kickoff. The coach explained that the star was not ready to play yet. He added that Messi had been trying to recover but did not feel comfortable, so the decision was made not to risk him. The emphasis remained on long term goals, with the coach noting that there were upcoming important matches and that a cautious approach was prudent to avoid unnecessary risk.
As for the performance in La Paz, Scaloni made clear that there is a clear approach that allows the team to compete at high levels. He praised the players for their quality and unity, highlighting that this group plays vibrant, effective football and that the credit for the result belongs to the players themselves. He also spoke about the altitude as a real challenge but stressed that the squad did not back away from play and sought to maintain a fluid style that prioritizes ball control and speed of transition, even when conditions are difficult.
The emphasis he placed on the collective effort underlined the team’s philosophy: a group that trains to maximize technical quality, makes smart decisions on the field, and stays composed under pressure. He noted that the altitude adds a layer of difficulty, yet the strength of a confident unit can turn those obstacles into an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and upper-level execution. The coach’s message was consistent: the team will be ready to adapt, keep the ball moving, and press aggressively to create chances when the moment arrives.
The victory in the Bolivian capital reinforced Scaloni’s belief that there is a formula for success at the highest level. He pointed to teamwork, technical discipline, and fearless play as the pillars that allow players to flourish, particularly in challenging environments. This is a group that trusts its own abilities, respects the tactical plan, and believes in taking the initiative to dictate the pace of the game rather than chasing the pace set by opponents. The result serves as a reminder that the team can perform well when every piece of the mechanism is functioning cohesively.
The head coach did not shy away from acknowledging the physical demands of altitude, but he remained confident in the squad’s capacity to manage those demands through preparation and intelligent substitution choices. The implications of the performance extend beyond the match itself, signaling a growing maturity within the squad and a readiness to compete on multiple fronts with a consistent identity. The approach shown in La Paz echoed through the subsequent plans and suggested a clear path forward for future qualifiers and important fixtures on Catalan soil, in the region or elsewhere.
In summary, Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated that it can maintain a high standard even when a key player is sidelined. The team’s young core and seasoned leaders combined to deliver a convincing victory, underscoring the belief that method and teamwork can triumph in difficult conditions. The result adds a notable chapter to the ongoing narrative of a national team that is building depth, cohesion, and confidence as it pursues its goals in the international arena.