The Argentina national football team is preparing to face two crucial challenges in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, without the presence of its star player, Lionel Messi. The albiceleste star suffers from a left thigh adductor injury, preventing him from being called up for the upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil. This absence forces coach Lionel Scaloni to reorganize the team's offensive scheme.
Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are emerging as Scaloni's natural options in the forward position, being considered two of the best forwards in the world today. Álvarez has shown his quality with Atlético de Madrid, scoring 23 goals in his first season in Spain. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martínez leads the scoring table in Serie A with Inter Milan, accumulating 11 goals so far this year.
The Álvarez-Martínez duo becomes essential for the albiceleste national team in Messi's absence, assuming the responsibility of leading the attack. Another tactical option for Scaloni is Thiago Almada, who is excelling at Lyon in France during his first European experience. His creativity and skill could be key to filling Messi's place in the starting lineup, accompanying one of the two forwards.
With Argentina leading the qualifiers table with 25 points, followed by Uruguay and Brazil, Messi's absence represents a challenge but also an opportunity for the new albiceleste generation. The clash against Uruguay will be an important test for the Argentine attack, which will seek to demonstrate its strength even without the presence of its captain on the field.
