Argentina faces a pivotal test as World Cup bid continues
The world champions head into the third match on their path to North America’s World Cup with a crucial question surrounding their captain’s fitness. The Albiceleste opened the 2026 qualifying campaign with a flawless start, collecting six points and delivering convincing performances that suggested they remain the team to beat. Now they host Paraguay at the Monumental on a Thursday that could shape the group’s dynamics, as Paraguay have not often troubled Argentina at this venue in recent years. The challenge grows more complex with a short turnaround, as Argentina will also visit Peru in the following fixture.
On Monday, a large portion of players based overseas joined training, with Lionel Messi among the notable contributors. His availability is the key unknown ahead of kick-off after a limited comeback for Inter Miami over the weekend, following a month of inactivity caused by a muscle injury sustained against Ecuador in September. Messi’s condition will influence how the squad shapes up for the opening 11 and the tactical plan for the double date.
But Messi’s status is not the only puzzle for head coach Lionel Scaloni. A string of injuries has sidelined important contributors, with Ángel Di María missing out, a loss that weakens the balance of the preferred starting lineup. The full squad, however, shows depth and variety, offering options to adapt across matches and opponents.
Selected Argentina squad for the double header
Heading into the two fixtures, the world champions have named a broad squad that includes several Under-23 talents such as Carlos Alcaraz, Marco Pellegrino, Bruno Zapelli, Lucas Esquivel, and Facundo Farías. These youngsters will mainly observe from the sidelines as senior players prepare to shoulder the responsibility, under the guidance of Javier Mascherano as the team’s lead on daily workstreams behind the scenes.
In terms of experience, the return of Marcos Acuña, Giovani Lo Celso, and Lucas Martínez Quarta adds freshness to the defense and midfield, while some notable absences due to injury stand out. Lisandro Martínez, Ángel Correa, and Ángel Di María were left out of the initial squad, and later additions Juan Foyth and Paulo Dybala also missed out through injury. Facundo Medina was called up as a late addition to reinforce options for Scaloni.
The squad list, organized by line, is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Emiliano Martínez
- Franco Armani
- Juan Musso
- Walter Benítez
Defenders:
- Gonzalo Montiel
- Nahuel Molina
- German Pezzella
- Cristian Romero
- Lucas Martínez Quarta
- Nicolás Otamendi
- Marco Pellegrino
- Marcos Acuña
- Nicolás Tagliafico
- Lucas Esquivel
- Facundo Medina
Midfielders:
- Leandro Paredes
- Guido Rodríguez
- Enzo Fernández
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Exequiel Palacios
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Giovani Lo Celso
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Thiago Almada
- Bruno Zapelli
Forwards:
- Lionel Messi
- Julián Álvarez
- Lautaro Martínez
- Facundo Farías
- Lucas Beltrán
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Nicolás González
- Lucas Ocampos
Strategic setup for the national team
Currently there are no firm indications about the exact formation Scaloni will deploy against Paraguay. A first tactical session is expected on Tuesday, where the starting XI will likely be unveiled and tested in training.
As the team charts its course toward the World Cup in North America, the coaching staff will weigh balancing attacking firepower with defensive solidity while managing the availability of key players. The focus remains on maintaining momentum from the opening wins and building cohesion for the challenging road ahead. This period will test the depth and resilience of a squad accustomed to high expectations and global scrutiny.