DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

Argentina’s experienced core may need to look towards its future stars if Lionel Messi is to enjoy the perfect farewell at the World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina’s manager is exceptional. He has led La Albiceleste to three major tournament victories — the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. For someone in his first managerial role, the achievement is nothing short of historic.

Winning consecutive World Cups is not unheard of, but it remains a rare accomplishment. Italy achieved it during football’s early years in 1934 and 1938, while Brazil, powered by a young Pele, were the last team to defend their title successfully in 1962 after first winning it in 1958.

In modern times, defending champions have found it extremely hard to replicate their success. France in 2022 became only the second title holder this century to progress beyond the group stage, after Germany (2018), Spain (2014), Italy (2010), and France (2002) all crashed out early. Didier Deschamps’ France went on to reach the final — the first defending champions to do so since Brazil in 1998.

With the expanded 48-team format and a relatively kind draw in 2026, Argentina are unlikely to suffer a similar early exit. The bigger question is whether Scaloni can maintain his golden touch and guide his team to another World Cup title. To achieve that, he may have to steer a delicate transition to the next generation of Argentine stars during the tournament itself.

Familiar faces

Argentina have arrived at their Kansas City training base with a largely unchanged squad from the one that triumphed in Qatar. Seventeen of the 26 players were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning group. The only absentee from the starting eleven that faced France in Lusail is Angel Di Maria, who retired after being named Player of the Match in the 2024 Copa America final.

This consistency has been a cornerstone of Scaloni’s success. Sixteen players in the current squad also featured in the 2021 Copa America victory. In comparison, only 11 players from Brazil’s 2019 squad are in North America, and that includes three goalkeepers. England, meanwhile, have retained just nine players from their Euro 2021 campaign.

Twilight years approaching

That sense of continuity has helped foster unity and camaraderie within the squad, but age is now becoming a growing concern. Nine players are over 30, including key figures like Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during what will be his record sixth World Cup.

At the other end, only three players — Giuliano Simeone, Valentin Barco, and Nico Paz — are under 25, with young prospects like Franco Mastantuono and Alejandro Garnacho left out of the final squad.

Miles in the legs

With an average age above 29, there are legitimate worries about fatigue among Scaloni’s regulars. Many have endured unrelenting schedules over the past few years. Following the 2024 Copa America, 11 of them also competed in the Club World Cup, leaving little room for rest.

Since the start of the 2024–25 season, midfield engine Enzo Fernandez and striker Julian Alvarez have each played 121 matches for club and country. Alvarez struggled through the end of Atletico Madrid’s season with an ankle issue, while Fernandez’s heavy workload could eventually take its toll despite his prime fitness at 25.

Alexis Mac Allister has also shown signs of fatigue. The Liverpool midfielder has featured in 119 games over the past two seasons and is expected to start Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. However, his inconsistent Premier League form has raised doubts about his sharpness. Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant criticised Mac Allister on TalkSport after a February defeat to Manchester City, saying, “I was frustrated watching that game. After your injury in pre-season, you’ve come back a shadow of your usual self; it seemed like your legs had gone. In that match, he was just a bystander.”

Keeping the faith

Nevertheless, Scaloni seems intent on trusting his tried and tested core. Seven players who started the 2022 final are expected to feature in the starting lineup against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium. That number might have reached 10 if not for minor injuries to Alvarez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nahuel Molina.

Regulars like Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister, and Messi are all likely to start, with 2024 Copa America Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez replacing Alvarez up front. This group knows how to win, but Scaloni may need to take calculated risks and give younger talents a chance if Argentina are to challenge for the title again.

Opportunities for change

Scaloni’s cautious approach is evident in his choice for left-back against Algeria. With Tagliafico sidelined, Valentin Barco would seem the natural replacement after impressive recent displays. The Strasbourg player, expected to join Chelsea this summer, has scored in two of Argentina’s last three games, showing energy and attacking flair that could rejuvenate the ageing side.

However, Scaloni appears set to deploy Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in that role instead. While defensively reliable, Martinez is less adventurous going forward due to his centre-back instincts.

Simeone is expected to start at right-back, an unusual position for him, as Molina and Gonzalo Montiel continue recovering from injuries. Simeone will likely fill in until one or both are ready for extended minutes.

The case for Paz

Among the emerging stars, Nico Paz’s inclusion has sparked the most excitement. The 21-year-old has impressed in Serie A with Como, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists last season to secure a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification — remarkable for a club promoted only in 2024. Mentored by Cesc Fabregas, Paz was named Best Midfielder at Serie A’s end-of-season awards. Real Madrid are reportedly considering activating their buy-back clause this summer.

Paz’s creativity, risk-taking, and youthful energy contrast sharply with the more conservative performances of Mac Allister. Although a minor knee injury may limit his involvement early on, Scaloni should remain open to giving Paz opportunities if the team needs fresh impetus.

Making a run

Scaloni has shown flexibility before — notably when he introduced a then 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez during the group stage in Qatar, a decision that transformed Argentina’s campaign. His loyalty to his veterans is admirable, but to make it four major trophies in a row, he may have to make tough decisions, particularly given Argentina’s challenging potential route to the final.

If they win Group J ahead of Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, Argentina will face the Group H runners-up — possibly Spain or Uruguay — in the round of 32. A victory there could lead to a favourable last-16 tie against the runners-up from Group D (currently Australia) or Group G (potentially Belgium, Egypt, or Iran).

The quarter-finals could bring a blockbuster clash with Portugal, setting up what would likely be the final World Cup meeting between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. By then, Scaloni will hope to have identified his best combination — ideally blending experience with youthful energy — to give Messi the send-off his legendary career deserves.

How far can Argentina go at the World Cup?