Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 at home in a friendly match. After the game, Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Argentina national team, held a press conference to answer questions from the media. Below is a transcript of the conference.

Hello, Lionel. A new journey and a new path have begun. Beyond the tactical and competitive aspects, how did you feel tonight? Your contract expires in December, but I believe you're looking for motivation to continue as coach. For example, today eight thousand children came to the stadium for the first time to watch the national team. Beyond the result, does seeing them inspire you to stay on?

Hello everyone. My first feeling was being overwhelmed when the national anthem played before the match, hearing the children in the stands singing it so loudly. You could tell they were all so young. Honestly, beyond the victory, this is the most beautiful positive sign we received today. Seeing the children who came to the stadium with such eager eyes, fully enjoying the match, cheering for their idols, singing the national anthem as if they were players on the field—it was truly beautiful.

Regarding the match itself, my feeling is that the players approached this game with great responsibility, demonstrating the spirit and character that come with wearing this shirt. Everyone was eager to contribute on the field, regardless of the score. It's clear the team has a distinctive tactical identity, and no matter who plays, we will apply it consistently. That's something to be pleased about.

From a personal perspective, was there a player who particularly impressed you tonight? Also, the team played with such solidity and rigor that it's almost become second nature. Is this something you emphasize in training, or is it a natural quality the entire team demonstrates?

After such a big victory, it's actually difficult to single out any one player. The entire team played perfectly. I was very satisfied with everyone's attitude toward the match, especially the experienced players who have been with the national team for some time. As I mentioned in yesterday's press conference, they came with a strong desire to win, and everyone showed their enthusiasm to give everything for this team. Everyone came to the national team willingly—no one was forced. This is fully reflected when they step onto the field. In my coaching philosophy, there is only one mentality when playing for the national team: you may win or lose, you may play well or poorly, but regardless, maintaining the utmost respect for the rich history of this shirt is the only mentality to play with. We emphasize this to the players, but I feel it doesn't require much explanation. Of course, reminders are still necessary because this is a fundamental foundation of the national team.

Today, new players like Román Vega, Flores, and Valentín Gómez made their debuts for the national team. During your time as Argentina's coach, 68 players have made their debuts. This shows you deeply understand the importance of rotation, renewal, and giving opportunities to young players. Setting that aside, I assume you've renewed your contract. Beyond looking ahead and starting a new chapter, what is your greatest ambition for the journey ahead?

For every coach, giving a player their debut is an exciting moment. As the national team coach, that feeling is even more intense. When those young players step onto the field or come on as substitutes in an intense match, you can see it in their eyes and their body language. They truly feel the weight of wearing this shirt, and you realize how much sweat and hardship they've endured to reach this point. How many Argentine players have dreamed their entire lives of wearing the national team shirt and making their debut? They are incredibly fortunate. For us as coaches, it's a tremendous honor to open the door for these young players. We believe this is the best time for them to enjoy being called up to the national team and showcase their full potential. Although the pressure of wearing this shirt may be greater than ever, now is the time for them to unleash their abilities. Seeing their faces as they prepare for their debut fills me with pride and satisfaction, because we can't help but remember our own national team debuts—a memory you never forget.

After that great World Cup final victory, it's powerful and wonderful to see you again. Watching Argentina play in the interior provinces is incredibly impressive. Although the stadium's capacity was limited today, you're now the only person who could ask anything of Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association. Could you ask him to ensure that at least 50% of matches during future FIFA international breaks are regularly held in Argentina's interior provinces? Historically, over 90% of Argentina's national team players have come from the interior.

How should I answer that... (laughs) You've said everything I wanted to say! I can't confirm an exact percentage, but whenever we have the opportunity, we will certainly try to play in the interior. There's no doubt about it, because all Argentine people deserve the chance to support the national team up close. However, the reality is that River Plate's Monumental stadium has enormous capacity, and everyone knows the tremendous impact that playing in the capital can have. That's beyond my control, but I promise we will visit the interior more often, like we did today. And given the warm welcome we received from Córdoba's fans today, it's truly special to feel their deep affection firsthand.

Hello, Lionel. In this new phase, you face many new challenges. Earlier this week, when asked about Lionel Messi's absence, you said the team knows how to function without him, and the team proved that on the field today. These young players have strong support because the team has an experienced group who have welcomed them and helped them integrate into the national team. Is your main challenge now to rely on the entire team to fill the void that Messi left? At the same time, how can you maintain the fierce desire that Argentine fans invested in this successful team whenever the national team plays?

Everyone knows the answer well: Lionel Messi cannot be replaced. He is special. What we must do is continue with the same football philosophy—attacking into the opponent's territory by controlling possession through passing and continuous movement, and through close coordination across the entire team. I believe this is the foundation and essence of Argentina's team, and this principle will not change regardless of who is on the field. There is no doubt that having him would change the tactical dimension significantly, but the team's overall style remains consistent. If there is any challenge, it's continuing to transmit this tactical style. We need to ensure every new member of the team understands this is how we operate. Of course, tactical details on the field may have minor adjustments—sometimes we play with wingers, sometimes with four midfielders, sometimes with two forwards, sometimes with one forward—but the cornerstone of controlling the game through possession will never change. That's where the challenge lies: continuing to play this way.

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