Scaloni holds nothing back, Argentina's XI for Mauritania in 2026 bid | OneFootball

The Argentina national team got its preparations underway at the Lionel Messi Training Center in Ezeiza under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership. With its sights firmly set on the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the national coach began shaping the team that will take the field this Friday against Mauritania.

Despite the gap in quality between the two squads, the coaching staff is firmly intent on using its main stars. The idea is clear: make the most of every international window to fine-tune the team’s overall play, with the understanding that only a few matches remain before the World Cup.

In goal, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez is a certainty. At the back, the World Cup core remains intact with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Nicolás Otamendi, although there is one question mark at left-back: the experience of Nicolás Tagliafico is competing with the promise of Valentín Barco, who is pushing for a place in the first team.

The midfield could feature an interesting refresh. Scaloni is considering deploying a four-man midfield in which the experience of Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister would combine with the drive of Giuliano Simeone and the creativity of Nicolás Paz, one of the biggest bets of the generational transition.

Finally, the attack will be led by captain Lionel Messi. The usual question lies in who will partner him: Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are neck and neck in the battle for the central striker role, a doubt the coach will settle in the final training sessions.

Argentina’s possible starting XI

Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico or Valentín Barco; Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás Paz; Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.