Argentina s new list of episodes: Messi returns, local young players bring surprises

Sports Weekly All Media Report

Argentina national team announced the list of two World Cup qualifiers in June. Since they have already qualified in advance, coach Scaloni has summoned some new players from the domestic league to participate in the training camp. Argentina will play away against Chile first and then face Colombia at home. These two games are not only to continue to consolidate the tactical philosophy established by Scaloni's coaching staff over the years, but also an opportunity to test a new lineup for the 2026 World Cup. Against this backdrop, Scaloni released a roster of 28 players, including many surprising new faces.

The biggest highlight is that Messi returns from injury, after he missed two major battles against Uruguay and Brazil due to injury. In addition, Lautaro, who participated in the Champions League final, was selected for the roster. Compared with the primary list a few days ago, McAllister and Nicholas Dominguez were absent due to injury, Garnacho left the list at Manchester United with uncertain future, and Barco and Barrenecea, whose condition has recovered, finally got an opportunity to inspect.

The first new face to be eye-catching is Mastantono, a young player from the Riverbed. At the age of 17, he has become the main force under Galado, which has shocked the entire Argentine football world. There are reports that Paris Saint-Germain is willing to pay 45 million euros to poach him.

Two defenders from the Argentina local league were also called up, one of which is Lomonaco from the independent team. He is currently firmly in the list of the best central defenders in the AFC and has performed very stably. Lomonaco originally played as a defensive midfielder, but now he is the core of the independent team's defense line. Independent coach Julio Vacari even said at the end of last year: "If the club sells Lomonaco, I will cry."

The other is Troillo of Belgrano. This tall central defender with a height of 1.94 meters is the biggest surprise on this list. At the age of 21, he completed his first team debut in 2023. He has played 51 games so far and has excellent heading ability and is an important candidate for the future central defender position. Given that the 37-year-old Otamendi will miss the game against Chile due to cumulative yellow cards, Troillo is expected to get a chance to play.

Argentina Roster:

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Villa), Ruli (Marseille), Benitez (Eindhoven)

Defenders: Troillo (Belgrano), Lomonaco (Independence), Molina (Atlanta), Romero (Tottenham), Otamendi (Benfica), Valerdi (Marseille), Balko (Strasbourg), Voith (Villareal), Tagliafico (Lyon), Medina (Lens)

Midfielder: Paredes (Roma), Barenecia (Valencia), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Palacios (Leverkusen), Almada (Lyon), De Paul (Atlan), Nico Pas (Como), Lo Celso (Betis)

Forwards: Messi (Miami International), Alvarez (Atlan), Lautaro (Inter Milan), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Giuliano Simeone (Atlan), Angel Correa (Atlan), Mastantono (River)