The Argentine squad is already reshaping. In the home friendlies versus Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, Scaloni will test fresh line‑ups as the team eyes the 2028 Copa América. Ready to see who earns a spot?
With Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi bowing out, the coach called up 13 newcomers who missed the last World Cup, forcing them to fight for permanent roles in the years ahead.
Out of a 35‑man list, minus the omitted Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth, Scaloni has several options. Right‑back is wide open, as neither Nahuel Molina nor Gonzalo Montiel are available, leaving Agustín Giay and Santiago Simón to vie for the spot.
Scaloni’s Argentine roster offers a multitude of tactical permutations.
Between the posts, the three World Cup keepers—Emiliano Martínez, Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli—remain, and a fresh name, Santiago Beltrán, joins the mix after featuring in the last pre‑World Cup call‑up.
At left flank, veteran Nicolás Tagliafico partners Román Vega, a surprise addition, while Facundo Medina can also cover the side. On the right, Giay pairs with Simón, who has settled into the role since moving to Toluca.
Central defence sees Cristian Romero and Leonardo Balerdi contesting the right‑hand slots, while Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina, Tomás Palacios and Valentín Gómez are available on the left, with Otamendi listed only for the Benin game.
In midfield, the void left by Leandro Paredes can be filled by Enzo Fernández or Alexis Mac Allister, both experienced in the role, alongside Equi Fernández and Exequiel Palacios, who know the position well.
For interior roles, Valentín Barco, Nico Paz and Tobías Andrada join the pool, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are earmarked solely for the final friendly against Benin at the Monumental.
Up front, a crowded wing battle awaits. Beyond Messi’s last appearance, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás González, Franco Mastantuono, Matías Soulé, Gianluca Prestianni and debutant Leonel Flores will compete for two spots.
In the penalty area, the World Cup trio—Julián Álvarez, José Manuel López and Lautaro Martínez—are joined by Santiago Castro, who impressed with Bologna before moving to Roma.
Here’s the full list of call‑ups for the upcoming friendlies, position by position.
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli and Santiago Beltrán.
- Right‑backs: Agustín Giay and Santiago Simón.
- Central defenders: Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina, Valentín Gómez, Tomás Palacios and Nicolás Otamendi (only against Benin).
- Left‑backs: Nicolás Tagliafico and Román Vega.
- Central midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios and Equi Fernández.
- Internals: Valentín Barco, Nicolás Paz, Tobías Andrada, Giovani Lo Celso (only vs Benin) and Rodrigo De Paul (only vs Benin).
- Wingers: Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Matías Soulé, Nicolás González, Gianluca Prestianni, Leonel Flores and Lionel Messi (only vs Benin).
- Area forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López and Santiago Castro.
Key data at a glance
- In my view, Scaloni’s gamble on young backs could pay off.
- Argentina will face Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin in the friendlies.
- The coach highlighted 13 fresh faces who missed the last World Cup.