The countdown has started
La Bombonera will be the stage. The upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, at the end of March, are not just preparation matches. For a dozen footballers, they are the last opportunity to convince Lionel Scaloni.
FIFA moved the deadline: the official lists of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup are delivered on May 30. That changes everything. It means that Scaloni will probably close his squad before the last friendlies before the tournament.
“If there are no injuries or pronounced football declines, coach Lionel Scaloni already has 22 surnames defined,”
The vast majority are world champions in Qatar. Among them, of course, is Leo Messi. His call-up for these matches is a clear sign that he is in his sixth World Cup event.
The race for four places
There are four places left on the plane. And the competition is fierce.
In midfield, all eyes are on Franco Mastantuono. The jewel of Real Madrid received a surprise call at the last minute. Scaloni wants to see it with his own eyes.
He is accompanied in the fight by Valentín Barco, whose versatility is his great weapon, and Máximo Perrone.
In defense, the loss of Germán Pezzella left a hole. Marcos Senesi, Tomás Palacios, Leonardo Balerdi and Lucas Martínez Quarta are competing for that place. On the left side, Gabriel Rojas could make the cut if he shines in his first call-up.
Above, the fight is between two center forwards with similar characteristics: José López and Joaquín Panichelli. Behind them, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are immovable.
And in the band, Gianluca Prestiani dreams of being the natural heir of the retired Ángel Di María.
There are twelve names. Twelve dreams. Twelve stories that will be played out in ninety minutes at La Bombonera. To them, these are not friendly. It is the last stop before knowing if they travel to defend the title.
