On October 1 at 8:00 AM CEST, Argentina will host Bolivia in a friendly match. Ahead of the game, Argentina's head coach Scaloni held a press conference. This is the second part of the press conference.

First, I want to ask you, has it been confirmed that Cristian Romero will be the national team captain? Who is the vice-captain? Secondly, since the World Cup ended, there have been rumors that River Plate is interested in inviting you to replace Eduardo Coudet as coach. Is this true? Has anyone contacted you?

In principle—actually, there's no need to add that qualifier. After Leo and Otamendi, Romero is the captain. The vice-captain is E. Martinez, and the third captain is Lautaro. This is the arrangement for these matches.

As for the other question, honestly, rumors are just rumors. No one has talked to me. As I've always said, and I don't know if I need to repeat it, I will be here until December 31st. I will not listen to any offers, and no one has approached me. Until December 31st, if no agreement is reached, I still will not listen to other offers. If someone contacts me, I will tell them that I am committed here until December 31st. This is the reality, and it's how I always operate. Because if I were here and said I hadn't received any offers, I'd be lying. Instead, I always say I'm here and I feel good. The rumors about River Plate are not true. No one has contacted me, and I will be here until December 31st.

Hello Lionel, I have two questions. First, will the contract renewal announcement be made during this international break, or will it have to wait until the end of the year? Second, we haven't asked about Lautaro and Alvarez in a while. Now that Messi is absent, is it possible for them to play together for an extended period on the field?

Hmm, I don't know if it will happen this time. Honestly, looking at the pace, I don't think so, but it largely depends on whether an agreement can be reached. As for the starting lineup, in principle, yes, they will play together in this match at least. This is a very good opportunity to see what they can bring when they are both on the field, and we will see going forward. They are both excellent players, and now we have the chance to see how it works when they play together.

Hello Lionel, over the years, throughout your time coaching the Argentine national team, both on and off the field, Messi has consistently shown leadership. My question to you is, do you think it will be difficult to find similar leadership, both on and off the field, in his absence going forward?

Without a doubt. First of all, setting aside his quality as a player, I always say that the impact he has both on and off the field is something I have never seen in anyone else, so you can imagine how difficult it is. The aura he brings is unique, and there is no substitute. But we have players who can show leadership. We have a group of excellent people, and most importantly, in our view, they are good people—and that is what matters most.

We don't need an overbearing leader who intimidates new teammates. We need positive, virtuous people. We believe we have such people in the team, and everyone can work together to fill the void left by Leo. As I said, it will be difficult, but the team has always responded positively, and this time I believe we have people who can take on that responsibility.

Hello Lionel, I wanted to ask what you think of this group of young players who have been recalled to the national team. They may have missed out on several previous selections. For example, Matías Soulé, whom many expected to be a starter. Has anyone particularly impressed you? Do you feel they bring new vitality? Also, this reshuffle has excluded core players like Lo Celso and De Paul. What do you think of this rotation?

Very good. Most of them are familiar to us. Take Matías, for example; we called him up before and have been following him. Santiago Castro we knew well from his time in the youth setup. We have also been observing Román Vega for a long time. These young players have shown an extremely strong desire to participate. We will give them playing opportunities, whether as starters or coming off the bench for a few minutes. The important thing is that they can contribute.

This week's training was very important and effective. We rarely have so many days of concentrated training, and the players even earned an extra day of rest because the intensity this week was very high. We are very pleased because we believe they can help. We have spoken to them and will give them the necessary playing time.

Lionel, you just mentioned that you would be here until December 31st. Although you don't have a specific date yet, do you think you are closer to or further from making a final decision?

In the first meeting a few days ago, we didn't discuss specific details, but we talked about mutual intentions, so...

Understood. My other question is, have you spoken with Paredes about the penalty and his future since the World Cup?

No, I haven't. Domenico was just referring to the previous statement. Paredes, of course, belongs to the national team. How could he not? Especially considering his contributions to us, his history, and our special affection for him. But I haven't spoken to him again because, to be honest, after the World Cup final, there wasn't much more I needed to say to anyone, not just Paredes.

The door is certainly open because he is an excellent player, and we have deep affection for him. Unfortunately, we cannot call him up for these matches due to his suspension, which is unfortunate, but we cannot use him now. When he is available again and maintains this level, he is still an excellent player, no doubt about it.

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