The Argentina national team is still weighing who will lead the attack for the debut in the qualifiers against Ecuador.
Before the crest of glory was raised at the World Cup, on a night at Lusail Stadium that would be remembered for years, Argentina had already proven itself as the world’s best long before the final whistle. The performance during the 80 minutes when Kylian Mbappé pressed relentlessly showed that the squad had earned that status through sharp, collective movement and relentless discipline. That run of form, starting long before the trophy materialized, had transformed the team into a living, breathing idea on the field.
Throughout the tournament, changes made by the coach to a lineup that looked settled since the Copa América final against Brazil in 2021 strengthened the way the team operated as a unit. The decision to deploy Ángel Di María on the left wing redefined the approach, disrupting opponents from the outset and giving Argentina a new tactical memory. A revitalized XI emerged, one that could bend games to Argentina’s rhythm rather than simply react to the opposition’s plans.
Yet, as the South American qualifiers open, Scaloni faces another tight call. The upcoming match against Ecuador marks the first points-based test for a reigning champion wearing the world title with the same weight of expectation on its shoulders. The centerpiece battle remains unsettled, with the center forward position in question as the team prepares to face a determined rival.
With only two full training sessions available before the trip to the Monumental next Thursday, the coach faces a dilemma that goes beyond routine selection. It centers on whether the goal-scoring hub will be anchored by Julián Álvarez or rotated back to Lautaro Martínez. The plan, as it stands, would see Emiliano Martínez guarding the net, Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico patrolling the flanks, Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi in central defense, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández orchestrating the middle, and Alexis Mac Allister and Lionel Messi feeding the engine of play. Ángel Di María would likely reprise his role on the left, with Messi providing the spark and Di María supplying the width and continued threat from the flank. This would mirror the core of the lineup that carried Argentina through the final, though the final call on the main striker remains open for now.
The choice carries ample reasoning. A center forward who can stretch the defense, hold up possession, and link with the advancing wingers offers a direct route to goal that suits the way Argentina builds from the back and presses high. On the other hand, a more mobile and instinctive finisher could exploit gaps created by Messi and Di María, allowing for rapid counterpressure and dynamic movement in the box. The decision will reflect not only the player’s finishing profile but also how Scaloni intends to balance the team’s defensive solidity with its attacking intent against a tough Ecuadorian side.
In this moment, the squad remains a blend of elite experience and rising talent. The goalkeeper’s presence, the sturdy center backs, the industrious midfield, and the creative spark from the front line all contribute to a system that adapts to the moment. Whatever naming they settle on, the essence of the squad is clear: flexibility paired with clear roles that enable quick transitions, compact defense, and purposeful, varied attack. The anticipation around the starting forward is less about a single personality and more about how the chosen option will harmonize with the rest of a team that has grown into a well-ordered machine under the coach’s guidance. The objective is straightforward—capture three points, establish possession, and maintain the pressure through a composed, intelligent attack that keeps the game within Argentina’s control. In this sense, the selection will serve as a signal of intent for the season ahead, a statement that the defending champions are ready to defend their crown with both risk and vision.
Source cited: Goal