Argentina, the leader in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, has unveiled its squad for the crucial March matches against Uruguay and Brazil. Lionel Messi, who is absent due to muscle discomfort, will not be part of the squad, but Ligue 1 players such as Thiago Almada have been called up.
With a five-point lead over Uruguay, Argentina is well placed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil will be decisive in consolidating this lead and ensuring participation in North America.
Lionel Messi, a key figure in the national team, will not be present in March due to a muscle problem. His absence is a major blow to the team, but it also offers an opportunity for other players to shine.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has called up several players from Ligue 1. Thiago Almada, who impressed on his debut with OL, is on the list, as are his teammates Nicolás Tagliafico, Leonardo Balerdi and Geronimo Rulli from OM, as well as Facundo Medina from RC Lens.
The matches against Uruguay and Brazil will be major tests for Argentina. Without Messi, the team will have to rely on a new generation of talent to maintain its dominance in qualifying.
Argentina heads into the March matches with a renewed and ambitious squad. While Lionel Messi's absence is notable, the arrival of young talents like Thiago Almada shows that the Albiceleste's future is in good hands.
