Lionel Scaloni slams state of Nilton Santos Stadium after Chile draw | OneFootball

Following Argentina’s 1-1 Copa América-opening draw against Chile, Albiceleste boss Lionel Scaloni was far from pleased from the state of the pitch of Nilton Santos Stadium.

Despite Lionel Messi’s spectacular opener, Chile clawed their way back into the match, eventually drawing level after Edu Vargas followed up a saved Arturo Vidal penalty.

With four of the five teams from Group B advancing to the knockout stage, Argentina are hardly in danger of being eliminated but will surely not appreciate starting the tournament with just a single point.

“Having played better in this field says a lot. The state is deplorable,” Scaloni said after the match.

“After 10 minutes you couldn’t play anymore. It’s more for another sport than football.

“The same happens in other World Cup stadiums. A good field is essential to play good football.”

Messi also echoed Scaloni’s statement, claiming the pitch conditions were one of the reasons why Argentina could not maintain their advantage.

“When we were at an advantage, we could not sustain the result, the playing field did not help us.

“We lacked control of the ball and to play faster, which they did when they managed to draw level. I did not see the penalty, but clearly, it changed the game.”

Argentina will now prepare to take on Uruguay this Friday before completing the group stage against Paraguay and Bolivia the next two Mondays.