World Cup 2026: Lionel Scaloni fires Argentina warning over giant-killers Cape Verde

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed any suggestion that his side will take Cape Verde lightly, insisting the reigning world champions have too much respect for the tournament’s surprise package ahead of their Round of 32 showdown.

While Argentina head into the knockout stages as overwhelming favourites after an impressive group campaign, Scaloni made it clear that his players are fully aware of the threat posed by a Cape Verde side that has already rewritten World Cup history.

The African nation became the smallest country ever to reach the knockout phase after emerging unbeaten from a difficult group that included European champions Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s clash, Scaloni stressed that knockout football leaves no room for complacency.

“We’re in a good moment, but now the margins are very small. This is a match where if you lose, you’re out. We know that.”

‘They are not here by chance’

Argentina’s coaching staff had already studied Cape Verde before the group stage concluded, anticipating they could become potential opponents, and Scaloni admitted their qualification came as no surprise.

Rather than focusing on the gap in pedigree between the two nations, the Argentina boss highlighted the organisation and quality that have carried Cape Verde this far.

“They’re a good team. We’ve already watched them, not just because we are playing against them, but because we were analysing potential opponents and then they qualified.

“We are not surprised, to be honest. They are a good team, and they are not here by chance. We must respect them and that’s what we will do.”

Scaloni also believes Cape Verde deserved even more from the group stage, pointing to performances that went beyond simply defending deep.

“Against Saudi Arabia, they deserved to win. Against Spain and Uruguay, maybe they suffered a bit more, but they defended well.

“They also closed down the inside channels and they are really good on the counter-attack. They have skilled players.”

Messi’s goals not Argentina’s only weapon

Much of Argentina’s attacking success has revolved around Lionel Messi, who has scored six of the team’s eight goals to sit among the tournament’s leading scorers.

However, Scaloni rejected suggestions that his side have become overly dependent on their captain, insisting Argentina continue to create chances regardless of who finishes them.

“Of course, everything he does is more visible, but there is one more striker in the team.

“We do create chances and Leo Messi, apart from being a great player, he’s a striker. Whether he plays with Julian (Alvarez) or Lautaro (Martinez), we will try for all of them to score just as anyone else.”

Messi was rested for Argentina’s final group match to preserve him for the knockout rounds and is expected to return to the starting lineup against Cape Verde.

Fitness questions remain ahead of Miami showdown

Despite expectations surrounding Messi’s return, Scaloni refused to predict how many minutes the 39-year-old will play, particularly with the possibility of extra time in Miami’s demanding conditions.

“I don’t think it really makes sense to reply to this now. I don’t know how the match is going to be, how he’s going to be feeling.

“He’s been playing very well. I hope that everything will go well, but it will depend on how the match goes and how he feels.”