"Lionel Scaloni believes Argentina's debutants during their 6-0 thrashing of Puerto Rico have made a strong case to be involved in next summer's World Cup squad. Scaloni watched on as his team earned an impressive victory at Chase Stadium, with Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Inter's Lautaro Martinez both notching braces. And upon his return to the national side, Lionel Messi also chipped in with two assists, while Gonzalo Montiel got himself on the scoresheet with a fine first-half volley."
"Scaloni opted to make nine changes to the team that beat Venezuela last time out, with one of his alterations being Jose Lopez, who made his debut for the Albiceleste. Lautaro Rivero, Anibal Moreno and Facundo Cambeses also made their international bows, taking the number of debuts Scaloni has given during his tenure to 55. "Luckily, we could see guys who hadn't had many minutes. First what we analyse is how they approach it," Scaloni said. "They are important players and Puerto Rico allowed us to see them play. I debuted in the national team in a match with Libya and I have it engraved in my memory. From now on, they will have to continue performing to put the other players and also the coach in trouble.""
"Not to be outdone, Messi also had his say in the contest with two brilliant assists in either half for Montiel and Martinez. Indeed, the 38-year-old took his international assist tally to 60, surpassing the previous record at that level held by former Barcelona team-mate Neymar (59). He is also now two shy of totalling 400 in his professional career."
Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 6-0 at Chase Stadium with Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez each scoring twice, Gonzalo Montiel hitting a first-half volley, and an own goal contributing to the rout. Lionel Messi returned and supplied two assists, taking his international assist total to 60 and moving two assists shy of 400 in his professional career. Lionel Scaloni made nine changes and handed debuts to Jose Lopez, Lautaro Rivero, Anibal Moreno and Facundo Cambeses, bringing his total debutants to 55. Scaloni praised the newcomers' approach and urged them to keep performing ahead of World Cup selection.
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