Argentina don release their World Cup squad for 2026, and e be like say coach Lionel Scaloni no too like change. The squad wey go defend the trophy for USA, Mexico, and Canada, e nearly be the same as the one wey win for Qatar 2022.
Only nine players from Qatar don miss out, and among them, Juan Foyth be the only one wey no reach 30 years. The rest na veterans wey their time don pass. Marcos Acuña, Guido Rodríguez, Alejandro Gómez, and Paulo Dybala all no make the cut. But one big name wey no dey na Ángel Di María, wey decide to retire from international football after winning the 2024 Copa América.
Di María absence na big problem for Scaloni. The winger get special qualities wey no easy to replace. He be individual genius wey no get superstar ego, and he always dey ready to do wetin the team need. He don score for many big finals. Without am, Scaloni hope say someone like Alejandro Garnacho go step up, but the Chelsea winger no develop as expected. Instead, Napoli‘s Giuliano Simeone don become more important.
Two young players to watch na Valentín Barco, wey go fit play for many positions, and Nico Paz from Como. Paz fit be key for post-Messi era, especially if he come from bench to punish tired defenders.
The midfield na the easiest part for Scaloni. He just add back Giovani Lo Celso, wey miss Qatar because of injury. Now, with Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández, the options plenty. Julián Álvarez don become even more important than Messi for the attack. He fit run for Messi, lead the line, or drop deep.
Upfront, Lautaro Martínez dey there, but questions dey about his stamina after long season with Atlético Madrid. New face Juan Manuel “Flaco” Lopez, wey dey play for Palmeiras, also dey.
But the defense na worry. No new defender don emerge since Qatar. The same unit of Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Tagliafico, Cristian Romero, and Nicolás Otamendi (now 38) go carry the load. Backup na Lisandro Martínez, Leo Balerdi, and Facundo Medina.
Scaloni don keep the family wey win World Cup and Copa América, and finish top of South America qualification. A new era go come after this World Cup, but for now, this experienced squad get chance to add more glory.
