MIAMI — Cape Verde’s stunning progress to the World Cup knockout stages is “no accident” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni as he warned his side about the threat posed by the Blue Sharks in their last 32 tie.
Led by the brilliance of Lionel Messi’s six goals in three games, the defending champions cruised through the group stage and appear to have a kind draw towards the semi-finals.
Australia or Egypt awaits in the last 16 if Argentina ends the Cape Verde dream in Miami on Friday, while Switzerland or Colombia are likely quarterfinal opponents for La Albiceleste.
However, Scaloni is not looking beyond Cape Verde, who drew all three of their group games, including against Spain, to progress ahead of Uruguay in Group H.
“This is a team that hasn’t lost,” said Scaloni ahead of his 100th match in charge of Argentina.
“They aren’t here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do,” Scaloni added according to AFP.
Messi’s stunning performances at the age of 39 have lit up the World Cup so far.
But six of Argentina’s eight goals so far have come from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The other two came against already eliminated Jordan from Giovani Lo Celso’s free-kick and a Lautaro Martinez penalty.
“We would love to spread the goals across the whole team,” added Scaloni, but he played down the suggestions his side have become over-reliant on Messi.
Argentina could be on a collision course for a repeat of the final four years ago, when they edged France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Les Bleus look like the team to beat at the World Cup so far as they have stormed into the last 16, scoring 13 goals in their four games, with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele forming a fearsome attack.
“What France has done is eye-catching. They are a great team,” said Scaloni.
