Scaloni invents a new Argentina for Messi

Injuries have hit Argentina hard ahead of their World Cup 2026 opener. Physical problems affecting several players have shaped Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad, disrupted the Albiceleste’s preparations before the tournament debut, and will alter the lineup the coach had planned to build around Leo Messi for the opener against Algeria next Tuesday, June 16. The same spirit, the same mentality, but a different Argentina. The Albiceleste’s No. 10 also began camp with discomfort and was unable to feature in the first friendly against Honduras.

The first setback came with Marcos Acuña, who was left out by Scaloni and did not make the 26-man list. That decision to omit River Plate’s left-back triggered a series of changes. Facundo Medina, the Marseille defender, was called up when the favourite for the fourth centre-back spot had appeared to be Marcos Senesi.

Medina’s ability to operate at left-back worked in his favour, and the injury suffered by Nicolás Tagliafico, the only natural left-back in the squad, in the last friendly against Iceland could open the door for him to start against Algeria. Lisandro Martínez is another option at centre-back who could be shifted into that role.

Scaloni is also considering Valentín Barco for the left-back position. Barco, one of the newcomers to the squad, has benefited from his versatility to earn a place in a group that includes several players either carrying injuries or not at full fitness. One of them is ‘Cuti’ Romero, who arrived at camp after almost a month and a half without playing due to an injury sustained at Tottenham.

These issues may have prompted Scaloni to include a fifth centre-back for the tournament, Leonardo Balerdi. However, the Marseille defender suffered a right soleus injury during camp and was withdrawn from the squad. Scaloni took time to decide on a replacement. While several reports pointed to Valencia defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez as the likely option, the coach ultimately opted for Senesi, a left-footed centre-back, after learning of Tagliafico’s injury.

The Lyon full-back is ruled out for the Algeria match, and Scaloni had to wait until the final days to know whether he could rely on ‘Dibu’ Martínez in goal. The goalkeeper played the Europa League final with a fractured ring finger on his right hand and, although not fully recovered, has progressed well and appears fit to start.

Another question mark is at right-back. Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel have both followed tailored recovery plans throughout camp, as they also arrived with physical problems.

In midfield, one of the team’s key figures, Leandro Paredes, is ruled out after arriving injured and still not recovering. His place in the starting XI, though not necessarily his exact role, could be taken by Thiago Almada. Due to physical issues, Nico González has also lost most of his chances of featuring on the left flank, either as a full-back or midfielder. Another midfielder, Nico Paz, also arrived carrying injury problems that have disrupted his pre-tournament preparation.

Scaloni’s problems do not end there, as he will also be without his starting centre-forward, Julián Álvarez, for the opener. Álvarez suffered an ankle injury on 5 May in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal and has not played since.

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