Paredes called for more defensive order ahead of Argentina-Egypt
Leandro Paredes laid out the issue facing the Argentina national team before the World Cup 2026 round of 16: get the defense in order and trust Lionel Scaloni to make the fine-tuned calls. The midfielder, one of the leaders of the Scaloneta, also appears as an option to break into the team against Egypt.
The Argentina national team heads into the clash with Egypt with a clear idea in mind: tighten up the defensive details before a match that could demand a lot. In that context, Leandro Paredes left a quote that sums up the mood inside the camp and once again puts the focus on the organization of Lionel Scaloni's team.
Leandro Paredes: “We have to be more organized defensively”.
Paredes, a heavyweight voice inside the Scaloneta
Paredes has been part of the Scaloneta since Scaloni's first call-up and is already established as one of the most important names in the squad. Ahead of the round of 16, his view put the spotlight on an aspect the coaching staff has been closely tracking: defensive solidity.
In addition, the midfielder appears as one of the possible changes for the showdown with Egypt, a sign that the coach is still weighing options for a key match on the road to the World Cup 2026.
Paredes: “I always see myself as a starter, but then the coach decides”.
That line made two things clear: the midfielder's confidence in his own level and, at the same time, the weight of the final decision in Scaloni's hands.
A rival that forces tactical precision
On the other side will be an Egypt side led by Mohamed Salah and carrying a historic burden in the tournament: it had never won a match or advanced through a knockout round. That detail adds context to a clash in which Argentina, as world champions, cannot afford any distractions.
There were also warnings from other figures in the Argentine team. Nahuel Molina said the national team can still improve defensively and described the opponent as a “very tough” side. Meanwhile, Thiago Almada said the group knows it must “suffer” at certain points in the World Cup and stressed that the level still has room to grow.
Thiago Almada: “I know I can give much more to the team”.
What Scaloni is watching before the match
The buildup left the feeling that Scaloni still has room to shuffle pieces. According to reports released in the last few hours, the Argentine coach and his counterpart Hassan could make changes for this round of 16 match.
At the same time, the manager offered a broader reflection when asked about the tournament's path:
Lionel Scaloni: “I'd sign for an Argentina-Spain final, but both of us still have a long way to go”.
Beyond that long-term view, the immediate attention is on solving the present. With Messi as the banner and names like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández within the team's usual core of tracked players, the focus now shifts to how Scaloni manages the side to maintain competitiveness in every area of the pitch.
What comes next for Argentina
The national team faces another test at the World Cup and the debate is already open: whether to prioritize continuity or make adjustments to strengthen the defensive order. Paredes dropped a strong hint, but the final word will belong to the coach.
With Egypt on the horizon, Argentina enters a stage in which every detail matters. And if this buildup made anything clear, it's that the world champions are still looking at the next step with the same old logic: compete, adjust and give nothing away.
