Scaloni Yet to Decide on Local Players for June Qualifiers

With Argentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni is shaping his squad for the upcoming South American qualifiers against Chile and Colombia on June 5 and 10. According to TyC Sports, the coaching staff has submitted a preliminary list of players based abroad, but local call-ups remain uncertain.

The domestic picture is complex. Veterans like Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel are dealing with injuries, while Germán Pezzella—despite being in the last squad—seems to be nearing the end of his national team career. Goalkeeper Franco Armani remains a candidate, though the Club World Cup, which begins four days after the Colombia match, could impact his availability.

Both River and Boca are set to play in that tournament, so any potential call-ups may be released early to join their clubs. This timing issue might lead Scaloni to avoid selecting players from the local league altogether.

Nonetheless, some rising talents are under observation. Defender Kevin Lomónaco (Independiente), midfielder Juan Nardoni (Racing), and 32-year-old striker Adrián Martínez—who has 43 goals in 69 matches—are all being monitored. As for River’s teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono, the coaching staff seems inclined to wait before granting him a senior debut. For now, Scaloni holds his cards close.