Argentina forward Lionel Messi is enjoying Qatar World Cup preparations, head coach Lionel Scaloni said on Tuesday as he prepares the team for their warm-up tie against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
Argentina are looking to win their third world title and first since 1986 and Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi will be expected to play a key role in their campaign.
“I see him as always…looking forward to enjoying the World Cup,” Scaloni told reporters before Wednesday’s game.
He knows how to play wearing this jersey. He is enjoying his team-mates, training sessions, accommodation and the whole process.
Argentina will be without midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso for the tournament in Qatar and Scaloni said it would be difficult to replace him.
Scaloni said, “Football-wise there is no uniform player in the team.” “But it will depend on what is required for each match.”
Scaloni said that Marcos Acuña will be assessed ahead of the match against UAE as he is suffering from a calf problem.
The friendly match will be Argentina’s last Test before their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on November 22.
Scaloni’s team will also face Mexico and Poland in Group C.
Data Source
sportstar.thehindu.com
