The controversy over the “double touch” in the penalty taken by Julián Álvarez is still more alive than ever, or at least Lionel Scaloni has taken it upon himself to revive and not forget the seemingly eternal debate over the outcome of the Playoffs between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid.

What did Lionel Scaloni have to say about Julian Alvarez's penalty?

The Argentine coach came out to a press conference and was questioned on the matter, to which he surprisingly answered for many that “the doubt persists as to whether the ball moves or not”.

“(It was) a shame for the whole team what happened with the penalty. It is a very fine play, we have to see if there was a double touch,” said the Albiceleste coach in his appearance before the media.

Julián Álvarez scored his corresponding penalty in the final shootout, but the kick was disallowed after going through the VAR because he touched the ball twice, something prohibited by the regulations, after having suffered a slip.

Despite the Red and Whites' complaints, UEFA put the matter to rest with the publication of a video. But the coach said that “today there is still the question of whether the ball is moving or not”, but “the match is over and that, for Atlético, is sad”.

However, he added that “they have done a spectacular job”.

“I'm not saying it hurts less, but they will keep trying,” Scaloni said of the team coached by fellow Argentine Diego Pablo Simeone.

Argentina in the CONMEBOL qualifiers

Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico 2026 with 25 points, five more than its next opponent, Uruguay, which is second with 20.

After the match against the Celeste, Argentina will host Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 25, in fifth place with 18 points.