World Cup-winning coach wishes to give Barcelona midfielder an Argentina passport

Speaking in an interview with COPE, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has claimed that he would give an Argentine passport to Barcelona and Spain midfielder Pedri to see him represent the Albiceleste at the international level.

Scaloni is riding high after leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022 triumph in Qatar. It was the South American giants’ first World Cup triumph since 1986 and came just a year after they had won the Copa America in 2021.

Argentina were led admirably by former Barcelona captain and club legend Lionel Messi while the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria, among others, made valuable contributions.

While there is no doubt that the Albiceleste have a wealth of talented players at their disposal, Scaloni when asked to pick a player between Pedri and Gavi who he would like to see in the Argentine setup, he chose the former.

“I would give Pedri an Argentine passport. I don’t know if he would play as a starter, but I would choose him,” Scaloni said.

Pedri has quickly established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the game over the past couple of seasons. Just 20 years old, the young Spaniard is the present and the future of this Barcelona side and it is not surprising to learn that Scaloni admires the youngster.

Speaking further, the Argentina manager claimed that Barcelona have a good chance of winning the La Liga title this season, with the club having recruited very well in the summer.

“Barcelona is a good team, they have signed very well and have the level to win La Liga,” he added.

Barça are currently at the top of the La Liga standings, having opened up a three-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid. Coming on the back of the Spanish Super Cup triumph, Xavi & co. will want to add the league title to their trophy cabinet as well this season.