The Argentine national team is approaching the 2026 World Cup with a scenario marked by doubts, returns, and unprecedented internal competition, which coach Lionel Scaloni will have to navigate. With the group draw scheduled for this Friday, Lionel Scaloni is going through decisive weeks to define a squad that, as he admits, today has more candidates than spots. Lisandro Martínez's return after nine months without playing changes the defensive landscape. No one can imagine a squad without him, although his participation will be more managed than in 2022. Nicolás Otamendi, at 37, retains his competitiveness at Benfica, but his potential call-up is associated with a secondary role against the consolidation of Romero, Lisandro, and Balerdi. The generational change also comes out of necessity. Valentín Barco appears as an option for the left flank, an area in need of new blood. The core is there, but not everyone has their place secured. The big news is the oversupply of talent. The coach admitted that “we have too many players,” a phrase that sums up the team's current moment. Lionel Messi, who will be 38 during the tournament, maintains his desire to play, although he assured he will only do so if he reaches full physical condition. Echeverri, Giuliano Simeone, Santiago Castro, Buonanotte, Perrone, and Alan Varela are on the constant watchlist. With six months to go, Argentina combines the solidity of the champion cycle with the uncertainty of the veterans and the push of a generation demanding minutes. Nicolás Paz is earning merits in Europe with his technique and versatility. The Manchester United defender returned against Crystal Palace after a ligament rupture, and his brief participation confirmed he is fully recovered. With almost seven months to go, the technical staff is confident he can reach his usual level, even with less wear and tear from playing only domestic competitions. The situation of the historic figures raises another debate. Their role at Inter Miami allows them to manage their workload, but the expanded World Cup format requires a different kind of preparation. Ángel Di María's definitive departure leaves a space still to be claimed on the wings, while Marcos Acuña, Guido Rodríguez, and Franco Armani seem to be falling behind due to the emergence of new alternatives and the demand to arrive with continuity and rhythm. Scaloni maintains the 2022 champion structure: Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez and Gerónimo Rulli in goal; Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Otamendi, Lisandro, Acuña, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Juan Foyth in defense; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Exequiel Palacios in midfield; Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Thiago Almada, and Messi in attack.
