Lionel Scaloni on Peru: "Under no circumstances can we think that the game is won"

This Tuesday, the Peruvian National Team will host their counterpart from Argentina at the National Stadium, for the 2026 Qualifiers. The team led by Lionel Scaloni completed their final training session at the Ezeiza complex, where their game plan was finalized. However, prior to their trip to Lima, the Argentine coach held a press conference, where he expressed his respect for Juan Reynoso's squad and emphasized that, despite the results, they do not consider themselves the favorites in these qualifiers, which he described as difficult.

"It feels like we are superior, but it's just that, a feeling, because these Qualifiers are very challenging. [...] The South American teams are at a very similar level. Brazil struggled against Venezuela, Chile won against Peru in the last minutes. The same thing will happen with Peru, and they will do it at their home, they have known each other for many years," said the Argentine coach. He also emphasized that they are not favorites in any scenario, especially when playing away.

In that sense, the coach highlighted the attributes of the Peruvian team, a team they do not underestimate. "The Peruvian players culturally have good ball work, they gather good players, with elaborate attacking tactics. The national team is not going through a good moment, but they have already overcome these situations. They have experienced elements, they know each other, and under no circumstances can we think that the match is already won. It must be prepared well. We continue with the same routine, we think it's a good opponent and they will make things difficult for us," he clarified.

Regarding the statistics, taking into account that in the last 50 matches under Scaloni's command they have only lost one, the coach stressed that "the issue of records and statistics are there, they are meant to be broken. I'm not interested in that, but in the performance and that the team has to do what it has to do. Records come to an end. The merit goes to the whole group, the coaching staff, and the players. We work with a group that understands matches well."

Along those lines, he added, "It is evident that we must continue with this desire to compete and continue on the path of victory. We are not unbeatable, the most important thing is to bounce back and continue along the same line. The team plays in a very defined way, whether Messi is on the field or not. I would like him to always be there, but when it's not possible, it must be replaced, without losing a clear idea of the game."

When will the match between Peru and Argentina be?

After the defeat against Chile in Santiago, the Peruvian National Team will play again this week when they host Argentina for matchday 4 of the 2026 Qualifiers. This match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17th at 9:00 p.m., it will be held at the National Stadium and will be broadcasted throughout Peru on ATV, América TV, and Movistar Deportes. In Argentina, it will be shown exclusively on TyC Sports and TV Pública.

Let's remember that the last time the 'Albiceleste' visited our country was during the previous Qatar 2022 Qualifiers, with a 0-2 defeat for the team that was then coached by Ricardo Gareca. Nicolás González (17') and Lautaro Martínez (28') scored the goals for Lionel Scaloni's team, in a match where the 'Bicolor' was clearly outplayed and couldn't find ways to harm the national team that would later become world champions.

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