Lionel Scaloni raises concerns over Argentina players ahead of 2026 World Cup: Report
The defending champions are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup competition.
The coaching staff of Argentina is extremely concerned about some of the players’ performances, according to ESPN’s Esteban Edul. The staff feels that “individually, each player is performing substantially below what they are capable of,” as the journalist stated.
Only two of the players who are anticipated to start at the 2026 World Cup have demonstrated exceptional form. The two biggest bright spots have been Lisandro Martínez, who has been essential to Manchester United’s comeback since recovering from his ACL injury, and Enzo Fernández, who is having a fantastic run with 11 goals in 38 games (his best season at Chelsea).
Argentina’s national team is concerned about some players’ performance
As of right now, Fernández and Martínez are the two projected starters thought to be playing at their best. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, a vital member of an Aston Villa team that is presently in third place in the Premier League, and Lautaro Martínez, the leader of Inter Milan and the leading scorer in Serie A with 14 goals, are two more players who might be added to that list.
However, certain regular starters, such as right-back Nahuel Molina, left-back Nicolás Tagliafico, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul (who hasn’t yet begun the 2026 season with Inter Miami), and Julián Álvarez, have apparently been questioned about their performance.
Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup is still Lionel Messi’s top goal in the latter stages of his career, despite his reluctance to confirm his participation.
Although Inter Miami have stated that his injury seems to be minor, rumours indicate that, in addition to contractual considerations, the decision to postpone Friday’s game against Independiente del Valle was made in order to protect the Argentine star from needless risk.
Argentina are the World Cup defending champions, but their players in the 2025–26 season haven’t shown much promise to get called up ahead of the World Cup.
Who are the only Argentine players who have performed well?
Enzo Fernández and Lisandro Martínez.
Is Messi part of the squad?
He is yet to confirm his participation in the competition.
Who are Argentina facing first in the World Cup?
They will face Algeria first.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.