Argentina thrashed Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly match at home. After the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference to address media questions. Below is the first part of the press conference.

Good evening, Lionel. A new chapter has begun, a new adventure. I'd like to ask you—beyond the competitive and tactical aspects—what are you feeling this evening? Your contract runs through December, but I imagine you're also seeking motivation to continue as coach. For example, 8,000 schoolchildren accompanied by teachers attended a match for the first time in their lives today. Beyond the sporting results, does this also factor into your decision to stay?

Good evening to everyone. Honestly, my first feeling was immense emotion at the start of the national anthem before the match, because we could see and hear the children in the stands singing it loudly. They were very young children. Honestly, beyond the victory itself, this is the most beautiful positive message we're taking away from here. It's truly wonderful to see children who came to the stadium with anticipation in their eyes, enjoying the match, watching their heroes, and singing the national anthem so passionately—as if they were another player on the field.

As for analyzing the match, my sense is that the players approached this game with tremendous responsibility, demonstrating the spirit that comes with wearing this shirt. Everyone wanted to contribute on the field. Regardless of the scoreline, it was clear that the team has a very strong tactical identity, and no matter who plays, we will stick to it firmly, which is encouraging.

From a personal perspective, was there any particular player's performance that impressed you this evening? The team also played very solidly and disciplined, which has almost become instinctive. Did you emphasize this specifically in training, or is it a natural quality the team has developed?

After such a big victory, it's actually difficult to single out one player for praise. The entire team played a complete match. I'm very satisfied with each player's attitude, especially the veterans who have been with the national team for a long time. As I said yesterday at the press conference, they came with a strong desire to win, and each showed their willingness to give everything for this team. Everyone comes to the national team with joy; no one is forced. And this is fully reflected when they take the field. In my coaching philosophy, there is only one attitude when representing your country. You can win or lose on the field, you can play well or poorly, but regardless, maintaining high respect for the rich history of this shirt is the only right attitude. We do emphasize this to the players, but honestly, I feel it doesn't even require lengthy explanations. Of course, reminders are still necessary, because it's the foundation of the national team.

Today, newcomers like Román Vega, Flores, and Valentín Gómez made their debuts for the national team. During your time as Argentina's coach, the number of players making their debut has reached 68. This shows you understand the importance of generational change, finding talent, and giving opportunities to young players. Though somewhat off-topic, I'll venture to guess that you've already extended your contract. Beyond looking to the future and starting a new chapter, what is your greatest aspiration for the path ahead?

For any coach, a player's debut is an exciting moment; for a national team coach, that feeling is even stronger. From the moment these young players step on the field—or in intense matches when they're about to come on as substitutes—you can see it in their eyes and expressions. You can truly feel the weight of wearing this shirt and how much sweat and effort they've invested to reach this moment. How many Argentine players have dreamed their entire lives of wearing the national team shirt for their debut—they're incredibly fortunate. For our coaching staff, it's a great honor to open the door for these young players. We believe now is the right time for them to embrace the challenge of playing for the national team and fully express their potential. Though the pressure of wearing this shirt may have been heavier in the past, now is a good time for them to showcase their talent. Seeing the expressions on their faces as they prepare for their debuts fills us with pride and satisfaction, because we can't help but remember our own debuts for the national team—a memory you never forget.

After that great World Cup final, it's wonderful to see you here again so powerfully. It's been impressive to see Argentina play in the interior provinces, though today's stadium capacity was limited. You're currently the only person who can make any request to Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association. Can you ask him to ensure that at least 50% of matches during future FIFA international windows are scheduled in Argentina's interior provinces, according to regulations? Historically, over 90% of Argentina national team players have come from these interior regions.

How do I respond to that... (laughs) You've said everything I wanted to say! I can't set a specific percentage, but whenever possible, we will definitely try to play in the interior provinces—that's certain—because all Argentines deserve the chance to support the national team nearby. However, the reality is that the Monumental stadium of River Plate has enormous capacity, and everyone knows the huge impact of playing in the capital. This goes beyond my authority, but I promise we will travel to the interior more often, like today, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception from Córdoba's fans. It's an incredible feeling to personally experience the deep affection of the supporters.

Hello, Lionel. This new stage presents many new challenges ahead. This week, when asked about Messi's absence, you said this team knows how to play without Messi, and the team is proving it on the field. These young players have strong support because the squad includes experienced veterans who have already embraced them and helped integrate them into the national team. Your main task now is to rely on the entire squad to fill the void left by Messi's absence? At the same time, how do you maintain the passion that Argentine fans invest in this winning team every time the national side takes the field?

Everyone knows the answer: Messi is irreplaceable; he is unique. What we need to do is continue following the same football philosophy, which is about advancing into the opponent's half, controlling possession through continuous passing and movement, and thanks to the tight coordination of the entire team. I believe this is the foundation and core identity of this Argentine team, and this principle won't change regardless of who plays. His presence certainly changes the tactical aspect qualitatively, but the overall style of the team remains the same. If there's a challenge, it's to maintain this tactical style. We must convey to every new young player joining the group that this is exactly how we operate. Of course, tactical details on the field can be adjusted slightly—sometimes we play with wingers, sometimes with four midfielders, sometimes with two strikers, sometimes with one—but the cornerstone of dominating the game through possession will never change. The task is to continue playing this way.

Переведено ИИ.

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