Benfica rising star eyes World Cup call-up after controversies | OneFootball

Gianluca Prestianni has been called up again to the Argentina national team, about a month after the controversy in the Benfica - Real Madrid match. The young winger is included in the squad list for the friendly against Guatemala, scheduled for March 31st — a match that replaces the canceled Finalissima against Spain.

The call-up comes at an important stage of preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will defend the title won in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Scaloni's decision puts Benfica's number 25 in the running for a place in the final squad, at a time when the coaching staff is looking to broaden the range of options.

Prestianni appears as one of the new names on the list, alongside other less common names, joining a group that continues to include key players like Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, and also Nicolás Otamendi, captain of Benfica.

Despite the return of Dodi Lukebakio increasing the competition on the right flank, Prestianni remains in José Mourinho's options and continues to compete for a spot in the starting eleven. The call-up is thus a positive sign at a time when he is looking to secure his place both in the Club and in the national team.

This season, playing for Benfica, Gianluca Prestianni — valued at 12 million euros — has already played a total of 33 matches: 21 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, five in the Champions League, two in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup, and one in the Super Cup. In the 1,611 minutes he was on the pitch, the winger recorded two goals and two assists.

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