Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has announced a preliminary squad of 33 players for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil. The squad, which is spearheaded by Lionel Messi, features a mix of experienced players and fresh young talent. The exciting call-ups include promising striker Claudio Echeverri, recently signed by Manchester City, and other under-21 players such as Nicolás Paz, Benjamín Domínguez, and Santiago Castro. Argentina, currently leading the qualification standings with 25 points, will face Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil four days later.
Argentina’s Squad for March World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has selected a mix of experienced and youthful talent for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The team will face two significant South American rivals: Uruguay and Brazil. Argentina, sitting at the top of the standings with 25 points after 12 matches, is looking to strengthen its position in the qualification race.
The squad announcement comes as Argentina prepares for two crucial matches. On March 21, the team will visit Uruguay, who are in third place with 20 points. The game will be held at the iconic Centenario Stadium in Montevideo. Just four days later, Argentina will take on Brazil in Buenos Aires at the Monumental Stadium, a match sure to excite fans across the continent.
A Renewed Squad Under Scaloni’s Leadership
One of the standout features of the squad is its blend of seasoned players and emerging talents. Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, remains the focal point of the team. Despite playing for Inter Miami in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi’s impact on the Argentine national team remains undeniable. His leadership will be crucial in guiding the younger players through these challenging qualifiers.
The young stars making waves in the squad include striker Claudio Echeverri, who has just joined Manchester City following an impressive performance in the South American Under-20 Championships. Echeverri’s call-up highlights Scaloni’s emphasis on integrating fresh talent into the team.
Along with Echeverri, Argentina’s squad also includes Nicolás Paz, Benjamín Domínguez, and Santiago Castro, all of whom are under 21 years old. These players bring a dynamic energy to the team, which is expected to boost the squad’s performance during the qualifiers.
Key Players in Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Scaloni’s squad includes several experienced players who have been crucial to Argentina’s success in recent years. Among them are goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, defenders Cristian Romero from Tottenham, and Nicolás Otamendi from Benfica. These players bring stability and leadership to the backline, essential for securing results in tough away matches.
In midfield, Leandro Paredes from Roma and Enzo Fernández from Chelsea will anchor the midfield, supported by Rodrigo de Paul from Atlético Madrid and Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool. These midfielders are key to controlling the game and ensuring Argentina maintains possession and builds effective attacks.
Up front, the team’s attacking prowess is bolstered by Messi’s leadership, along with talents like Lautaro Martínez from Inter Milan, Julián Álvarez from Manchester City, and Ángel Correa from Atlético Madrid. These forwards are all capable of making a significant impact on the scoreboard, and their performances will be crucial to Argentina’s success in the qualifiers.
The Uruguayan and Brazilian Challenges
The first of Argentina’s two upcoming matches will be against Uruguay. The match, to be held at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Uruguay, who currently sit third in the standings with 20 points, are a tough opponent on home soil. The historic rivalry between Argentina and Uruguay adds extra intensity to the fixture.
Four days later, Argentina will face Brazil at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Brazil, currently in second place in the standings, will be another formidable opponent for the World Cup winners. Brazil and Argentina have a long-standing football rivalry, and this match is expected to be a highly competitive affair, with both teams vying for crucial points in the qualification process.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup Qualifiers
As Argentina aims to defend its World Cup title and secure qualification for the 2026 tournament, these upcoming matches are critical in maintaining their strong position. Scaloni’s decision to include young talents alongside established stars reflects his desire to build a team that blends experience with fresh energy.
The Argentina squad is poised for a challenging but exciting few days as they prepare for two crucial World Cup qualifiers. With Messi leading the way and a promising group of young players ready to make their mark, Argentina is hoping to continue their momentum and secure vital points.
Argentina’s national team enters the World Cup qualifiers with a renewed sense of purpose. Under Scaloni’s leadership, the squad is a mix of seasoned players and promising youth, all with one goal in mind: securing a place in the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil will test the team’s resolve and capability, but with Messi at the helm, Argentina is primed for success. Stay tuned for updates on the qualifiers and follow the journey of the World Cup champions as they aim to defend their title.
For more updates on Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers, visit Issue N Fact.
