Argentina faces uncertainty as key stars could miss upcoming internationals

Yesterday 20:00

Argentina are heading into the next international break amid growing uncertainty, with several established players reportedly set to miss the upcoming fixtures despite initially being included in Lionel Scaloni’s plans.

Among the most notable absences could be Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul are also expected to be left out. The potential withdrawals would deprive Scaloni of a large part of the core group that has played a central role in Argentina’s recent international success.

According to reports in the Italian sports press, Lautaro Martínez could remain in Italy during the international window to continue training with Inter under coach Cristian Chivu. The decision comes as questions continue to surround the Argentine Football Association and the management of the national team.

The situation is reportedly not linked to a player strike or collective protest. Instead, the expected absences are understood to be part of a decision to give several senior players additional rest. The measure would allow the coaching staff to manage the squad carefully while attempting to stabilize the situation surrounding the national team ahead of the next international window in November.

Argentina are also entering a transitional period following the end of an era associated with Lionel Messi. The captain and long-time leader has played a defining role in the team’s transformation over the past decade, helping Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. His departure leaves Scaloni facing the challenge of building a new leadership structure while maintaining the competitive standards established during Messi’s era.

The team is also dealing with institutional difficulties. Reports have pointed to unresolved financial obligations involving some players, while association president Claudio Tapia is facing legal scrutiny over allegations related to international money laundering. The legal proceedings have added another layer of uncertainty around the administration of Argentine football.

Scaloni’s own future is another major question. His current contract is scheduled to expire at the end of December, and reports have suggested that the coach may be considering the end of his tenure after several highly successful years in charge. Members of his coaching staff, including Walter Samuel, have also been linked with a possible departure.

Despite the uncertainty, Argentina remain one of the leading teams in international football and are expected to use the upcoming fixtures to assess younger options and manage the workload of their established stars. The next matches could therefore provide Scaloni with an opportunity to test alternatives and begin shaping the squad for the next stage of the national team’s development.

The coach is expected to announce his official squad ahead of the forthcoming friendlies against Burkina Faso, Bolivia and Benin. The final selection will offer a clearer indication of which senior players will be rested and how Argentina intend to navigate the transition following the end of the Messi era.