11/07/2026 21:04 - Deportes
The July 11, 2026 is a massive date for global football. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are preparing to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup at 10:00 PM (ARG) at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. On the eve of the match, manager Lionel Scaloni gave a press conference that filled fans with immense hope.
Scaloni hinted that 'it wouldn't be crazy to repeat the team', ratifying the base of the eleven that beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. In that sense, he valued the work of midfielder Leandro Paredes, noting that 'the team improved significantly with his entry'.
The Argentine coach also had words of recognition for his strikers, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, who are working hard for a spot, and reserved his highest praise for the captain: 'When Messi smells danger, he is a machine. As long as he has the desire, he will be the best'.
For context, Argentina plays in a highly competitive South American environment (CONMEBOL), where matches are physically intense. Scaloni's reliance on a core group reflects the team's strong chemistry built over years.
Likely Lineup: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel (or Nahuel Molina), Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez (or Julián Álvarez).
Switzerland reaches this stage after eliminating Colombia in a penalty shootout. Scaloni defined them as an opponent that 'competes and has experienced players'.
The Swiss captain, Granit Xhaka, stated that he admires the mentality of South American teams and is proud to take Switzerland to the quarterfinals after 72 years.
Defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero, scorer of a crucial goal against Egypt, assured that the group's winning DNA is inherited from the generation of Messi and Di María. 'We have no choice but to follow the experience our captain had', he expressed.
Scaloni also analyzed the rest of the bracket and called the clash between Spain and France, who will meet in the semifinals on July 14, 2026, an 'early final'. Regarding Argentina's performance in the tournament, he clarified that 'it's difficult to play as well as in Qatar' because opponents are highly motivated when facing the world champions, but he highlighted the team's enormous spirit of rebellion and overcoming challenges.
Sources: El Gráfico and CNN en Español.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
