SQUAD
The youth setup under Javier Mascherano is striving to secure a place for the next FIFA World Cup to be staged in Indonesia. The aim is clear: build a strong, cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level and earning a spot on football’s grand stage.
Prior to Fernando Batista leaving to join José Pekerman’s coaching staff in Venezuela, the role of Argentina’s Sub 20 coach became vacant. Through careful leadership, Chiqui Tapia appointed Javier Mascherano to steer the team. Mascherano’s appointment signaled a shift toward a pragmatic, possession-based philosophy deeply influenced by his years at Barcelona, with an emphasis on ball strength, territorial control, and a robust positional structure.
El Jefecito was officially presented on December 9, 2021, and his training sessions began in earnest in early February 2022. The approach centers on starting plays from the back, maintaining steady ball progression, and pressing with organization to disrupt opponents’ transitions.
SQUAD
Mascherano has announced the players who will form the official roster for the 2023 South American Championship to be held in Colombia. The selections reflect a mix of emerging talents with European experience and proven talent in the regional pipeline, all chosen to compete at a high level on the continental stage.
FIGURES
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Among the standout names in this cycle are Nicholas Paz, Tiago Geralnik, Franco Carboni, Valentin Carboni, Matías Soulé, Luke Romero, and Alexander Garnacho. This group, active across European clubs, has already trained with the senior national teams and remains a central part of AFA’s scouting program on the European continent. The difficulty lies in securing releases from European clubs, which often limits availability. For the first challenge of 2023, only Nico Paz received clearance from Real Madrid.
TECHNICAL STAFF
The Argentine federation has built a capable staff around Mascherano. The head coach is supported by a trusted lineup, including a seasoned assistant with ties to the federation’s proud history, a dedicated physical trainer, and experienced technical assistants. The coaching team also features a goalkeeper coach and a video analysis lead, ensuring a modern, data-informed preparation process.
MATCHES
Mascherano’s first official match as head coach took place early in the year, with Argentina facing the United States in a morning fixture at Ezeiza Stadium. The teams split the points in a 2-2 draw, with goals from Brian Aguirre and Julián Romero showcasing the squad’s potential in international competition.
The program then shifted to the Maurice Revello Tournament in France, known for showcasing young talents from around the world. Between May 29 and June 12, teams from Mexico, Colombia, Japan, and Ghana joined the event. Argentina finished fifth after defeating Japan 3-2 in a competitive encounter.
Following more intensive preparation in France, Argentina later triumphed in the robust L’Alcúdia Tournament in 2022. They emerged from Group A, which included Valencia CF, FC Rukh Ukraine, and UD Alzira, then defeated Levante 2-0 in the semifinals and Uruguay 4-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
SOUTH AMERICAN COLOMBIA 2023
The South American Under-20 Championship will be held in Colombia, with venues in Cali and Bogotá, from January 19 to February 12. Argentina begins its campaign on Saturday, January 21, at 6 p.m. against Paraguay, in a group that also includes Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
The top three teams from each group will advance to the final Hexagonal stage, which will determine four qualifiers for the World Cup in Indonesia. The tournament also offers three spots for the Pan American Games, underscoring the event’s significance for young South American talents.
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