Scaloni shows his hand: Argentina's top XI for Mauritania | OneFootball

The Argentina national team kicked off its preparations at the Lionel Messi Training Center in Ezeiza under Lionel Scaloni’s guidance. With their sights firmly set on the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the national team coach began shaping the lineup that will take the field this Friday to face Mauritania.

Despite the difference in quality between the two squads, the coaching staff is determined to use its main stars. The idea is clear: make the most of every international window to fine-tune the team’s overall play, knowing that only a few matches remain before the World Cup.

In goal, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez is a sure thing. In defense, the World Cup backbone remains in place with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Nicolás Otamendi, although there is one doubt at left back: the experience of Nicolás Tagliafico is competing with the promise of Valentín Barco, who is pushing for a spot 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 mark is who will partner him: Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the center-forward role, a doubt the coach will clear up 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.