Tonight, the Argentine National Team will face Chile at the Estadio Monumental in a crucial match of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This match, which will start at 9:00 p.m., will be an important test for the team led by Lionel Scaloni, especially due to the absence of two of its most emblematic figures: Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María.
Lionel Messi, the team’s captain and star player, is in the final stages of his recovery after an ankle injury suffered during the Copa America final. Meanwhile, Angel Di Maria, who recently announced his retirement from the club, is in the final stages of his recovery after an ankle injury suffered during the Copa America final. Argentine National Teamwill not be on the field, although he will be present at the stadium to receive a well-deserved tribute for his outstanding career with the Albiceleste.
In the face of these absences, Lionel Scaloni has had to restructure his team and rely on a combination of experienced players and promising youngsters. The list of players called up for this match includes several new names who are looking to establish themselves in the national team.
Among them are Valentín Barco, Equi Fernández, Matías Soulé, Giuliano Simeone, Valentín Castellanos, Valentín Carboni and Alejandro Garnacho. In defence, the absence of Nicolás Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi due to injury has forced Scaloni to call up Marcos Acuña as an emergency.
The defensive line could be made up of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Marcos Acuña, who will have the responsibility of maintaining defensive solidity against a Chilean team that will seek to add points to improve its position in the table.
In midfield, the presence of Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes will be essential to control the pace of the game and generate attacking opportunities. Alongside them, Enzo Fernández could bewho has demonstrated a great level in his recent performances with the national team.
Combinations
The combination of experience and youth in midfield will be key to facing a Chilean team that also has talented and experienced players.Up front, the absence of Messi and Di María opens the door for other players to take centre stage.
Paulo Dybala, who was called up at the last minute, could be one of the options to lead the attack alongside Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. In addition, the inclusion of young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho offers fresh and dynamic alternatives for the attack of the team. Argentina National Team.
