Inter y Real Madrid se disputan a Nico Paz: la joya argentina que sigue de cerca Scaloni El futuro de Nico Paz, el mediocampista argentino de 21 años, comienza a tomar forma en Europa, generando un interés significativo en la Selección Argentina y en dos de los clubes más importantes del continente: Inter de Milán y Real Madrid. Su destacada actuación en la Serie A, donde se convirtió en una de las figuras más relevantes del Como 1907, lo ha posicionado como una pieza clave en el mercado de fichajes. Con 11 goles y 6 asistencias en 34 partidos, el jugador ha demostrado su capacidad para impactar en un equipo de élite, lo que lo ha convertido en una prioridad para los grandes de la Liga italiana y la Liga española. El Inter de Milán ha mostrado un interés firme en el jugador, considerándolo una prioridad para la próxima temporada. Según medios italianos, el club ha mantenido contactos con el entorno de Paz, incluyendo al vicepresidente Javier Zanetti, quien ha estado involucrado en las negociaciones. Sin embargo, la situación no es sencilla, ya que el Real Madrid también ha manifestado su interés, aprovechando una cláusula de recompra que le permite recuperar al futbolista por una cifra accesible en los próximos mercados. Esta condición le da a los blancos una ventaja estratégica frente a otros clubes que podrían competir por su fichaje. El Real Madrid, por su parte, analiza seriamente la posibilidad de repatriar a Paz, quien actualmente brilla en el Como 1907. El club español busca recuperar el control total del jugador y decidir si lo incorpora al plantel principal o lo cede a otro equipo para continuar su desarrollo. Aunque la competencia interna es intensa, con nombres como Jude Bellingham, Brahim Díaz y Arda Güler en posiciones similares, el crecimiento del argentino lo mantiene como una opción viable.#real_madrid #como_1907 #lionel_scaloni #inter_de_milan #nico_paz
Almada y Baena, de secundarios a intocables Thiago Almada y Álex Baena, dos jugadores del Atlético de Madrid, han experimentado un notable cambio en su rol dentro del club y sus selecciones nacionales. Aunque llegaron al equipo en el verano de 2025 como fichajes importantes, su presencia en el once titular de Simeone no fue inmediata. Durante la pretemporada, ambos demostraron su calidad, lo que les permitió debutar en el partido contra el Espanyol. Sin embargo, lesiones y un nivel competitivo de otros jugadores los relegaron a un papel secundario en el club. A pesar de esto, su importancia creció en las selecciones nacionales. Almada, quien llegó al Atlético en 2024, se convirtió en un jugador fijo para Lionel Scaloni en la selección argentina. En el amistoso contra Mauritania, jugó 75 minutos y destacó con un 90% de acierto en los pases. Esta consistencia lo convirtió en un titular indiscutible para la Albiceleste. Por su parte, Baena, fichaje estrella del Atlético en 2025, no ha logrado consolidarse del todo en el club. Aunque es titular en la selección española, su minutos en el Atlético son limitados, lo que contrasta con su participación en la selección. La situación de ambos jugadores refleja una transición de roles. Mientras Almada se ha convertido en un referente para Argentina, Baena sigue buscando su lugar en el Atlético. En la selección española, Baena ha jugado 77 minutos en el amistoso contra Serbia, donde mostró un 93% de precisión en los pases. Sin embargo, en el club, solo ha superado los 75 minutos en tres ocasiones, lo que lo deja en una posición menos destacada. La presencia de ambos en sus selecciones es crucial para el Mundial. Almada y Baena son piezas clave en sus respectivas selecciones, y su participación en los amistosos antes del Mundial refuerza su importancia.#atltico_de_madrid #lionel_scaloni #thiago_almada #alex_baena #seleccin_argentina
La doble realidad de Thiago Almada Thiago Almada, el centrocampista argentino de 24 años, vive una situación contradictoria esta temporada. Mientras que con la Selección Argentina se ha convertido en un jugador clave, destacando en partidos importantes y compartiendo minutos con Lionel Messi, su rol en el Atlético de Madrid ha sido marginal. Esta dualidad ha generado un contraste significativo entre su desempeño en ambas ligas. Con la Argentina, Almada ha sido titular en los últimos partidos bajo la dirección del entrenador Lionel Scaloni. En dos amistosos de marzo, el jugador disputó 75 minutos contra Mauritania y 74 contra Zambia, acumulando un total de 149 minutos. Estos minutos son cruciales para su preparación hacia el Mundial, donde espera demostrar su valía. En cambio, con el Atlético, su participación ha sido limitada, especialmente en partidos decisivos. De los diez últimos partidos del equipo, Almada no jugó en seis de ellos, incluyendo enfrentamientos clave como el partido contra el Real Madrid en La Liga, las eliminatorias de Champions League contra Tottenham y Brujas, así como la vuelta de las semifinales de Copa del Rey en el Camp Nou. Solo en partidos menos importantes logró minutos: 17’ contra el Espanyol, 72’ frente al Oviedo, 54’ en la visita a la Real Sociedad y 66’ en el partido contra el Getafe. Esta falta de minutos en partidos decisivos ha generado críticas y ha llevado a especular sobre su futuro en el club. Aunque el Atlético lo ha utilizado como alternativa en algunos encuentros, su falta de continuidad en los once titulares ha hecho que su rol se reduzca. La situación de Almada refleja una brecha entre su importancia en la selección y su falta de impacto en el club. Mientras que en Argentina se siente como un jugador clave, en el Atlético parece haber perdido protagonismo.#real_madrid #champions_league #atltico_de_madrid #lionel_scaloni #thiago_almada
Will Lionel Messi Feature? Scaloni Breaks Silence, Press Conference Turns Emotional Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on March 31, 2026, that Lionel Messi will start in the friendly match against Zambia on April 1, 2026, at the La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. This marks Messi’s first start of the March international break following his substitute appearance in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Mauritania. Scaloni emphasized that Messi’s inclusion in the lineup is a priority, stating, “Yes, I think he will start from the beginning tomorrow. The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoys being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I would not dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it.” The announcement came amid a significant setback for Argentina’s squad. Joaquin Panichelli, a 23-year-old forward for Strasbourg, tore his cruciate ligaments during training on March 30, 2026. The injury sidelines the player, who had emerged as a key backup for the World Cup, stepping in behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Scaloni expressed deep disappointment over the injury, noting its potential impact on Argentina’s preparations for the tournament. The press conference took an emotional turn when Scaloni addressed Panichelli’s condition. He revealed that the young forward visited the training facility despite his injury, a gesture that moved the coaching staff. “It is very difficult… We have spoken with him. He even took the trouble to come to the training facility after they gave him the result. He could have stayed at the hotel in peace, but he came here and asked to speak with us,” Scaloni said, struggling to contain his emotions. Scaloni also reflected on the broader challenges of building a championship-ready team.#lionel_messi #joaquin_panichelli #strasbourg #lionel_scaloni #la_bombonera
Argentina to Start Lionel Messi for Zambia Friendly at La Bombonera Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will start the friendly match against Zambia on Tuesday night at La Bombonera stadium. The decision marks Messi’s first start of the March international window, following his substitution in the 2-1 victory over Mauritania on March 27. Scaloni emphasized that the friendly against Zambia will be a key opportunity to evaluate players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as part of a broader process to finalize the 26-player roster. The reigning World Cup champions secured a narrow 2-1 win over Mauritania, a team ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings and with no World Cup history. Scaloni acknowledged the match as a critical test, stating that performances in such games will inform the selection process. “The game the other night could’ve been an alert, it’s things that as a head coach one starts looking at and later, we will decide,” he said. The manager reiterated that the focus will be on the team’s best interests, with decisions based on player performance. Scaloni also addressed Messi’s potential participation in the World Cup, noting that while the forward has not yet confirmed his decision to join the squad, the team remains eager to have him. “The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoy being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I wouldn’t dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it,” Scaloni said. He added that Messi’s presence would be a significant draw for fans globally, stating, “I think it’s not just Argentines who want to see him. Everyone wants to see him train, see him play, and that is what we all wish for.#lionel_messi #2026_fifa_world_cup #lionel_scaloni #zambia #la_bombonera
Argentina Faces Mauritania in Friendly Ahead of World Cup Argentina’s national soccer team is set to defend its World Cup title with a hastily scheduled friendly against Mauritania on Friday, marking the first of two planned home matches before the tournament begins this summer. The game carries added significance beyond the result, as it replaces the canceled Finalissima clash against Spain and could serve as one of the final opportunities for star player Lionel Messi to play in a competitive match on home soil in an Argentina jersey. The match will provide coach Lionel Scaloni with a chance to evaluate fringe players ahead of the final 26-man roster cut for the World Cup. Key absences, including injured strikers Lautaro Martínez and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, have created openings for other players to showcase their skills ahead of the team’s Group J opener against Algeria on June 16. Mauritania, ranked 115th globally, enters the game as a significant underdog, having lost its last six matches. Its most recent victory came over two years ago in a CAF qualifying fixture against Togo. The African team’s head coach, Aritz Lopez Garai, described the encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his squad, as the nation has never faced a South American opponent. The question of Messi’s participation remains a focal point. While reports suggest he may not start, he could still enter the match as a substitute. The game is expected to be more of an exhibition than a competitive friendly, with Argentina likely prioritizing a strong display in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The match is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kickoff time is set for 7:15 p.m. ET.#lionel_messi #lionel_scaloni #argentina_national_soccer_team #la_bombonera_stadium #argentina_world_cup_team
Argentina’s Last World Cup Tune-Up Canceled, Leaving Scaloni’s Squad Untested Against Europe Argentina faces uncertainty as its final pre-World Cup preparation match against Spain was scrapped due to the cancellation of the Finalissima tournament in Qatar. The decision to cancel the friendly, which was originally scheduled to take place in the Middle East, has forced the South American giants to scramble for alternatives in this month’s international window. After weeks of frantic negotiations, Argentina has opted to face Guatemala in a home fixture on March 31. Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has dominated South American qualifying, securing four victories in 18 matches, and claimed the 2024 Copa América title. However, the team has yet to face a meaningful challenge in recent friendlies, which have been low-level affairs. The biggest question mark remains whether Lionel Messi will participate in his sixth World Cup, as his availability is still uncertain. The cancellation of the Finalissima, a fixture designed to test Argentina’s readiness against European teams, has left the squad without a high-profile opponent ahead of the tournament. The match was intended to provide a realistic simulation of the World Cup’s intensity, but its abrupt cancellation has raised concerns about the team’s preparation. Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has faced pressure to ensure his squad is fully prepared for the global stage. The absence of a strong test against Europe could leave the team untested in critical moments. Scaloni’s squad has relied heavily on its recent successes in South American competitions, but the lack of European opposition may expose weaknesses in their tactical approach. The decision to face Guatemala, a team ranked significantly lower in international football, has drawn criticism from analysts.#argentina #spain #finalissima #lionel_scaloni #guatemala
Argentina National Team Faces Final Squad Decisions Ahead of 2026 World Cup The Argentina national team is entering its final week of preparation before the 2026 World Cup, with two friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia serving as the last tests for coach Lionel Scaloni. These matches will be critical in determining the final 26-player squad, as the coach must resolve several key decisions across all positions. In goal, the competition for the third spot remains open. Emiliano Martínez is the confirmed starter, with Gerónimo Rulli as his backup. Juan Musso and Walter Benítez are vying for the final place, though Musso holds an edge due to his recent performances at Atlético de Madrid. Benítez, currently at Crystal Palace, is still in the running but faces an uphill battle. Defensive positions also see intense competition. At left center-back, Marcos Senesi and Facundo Medina are competing for a spot behind Nicolás Otamendi, with Lisandro Martínez sidelined due to injury. Senesi leads the race, but Medina’s versatility keeps him in contention. The left-back position is equally competitive, with Nicolás Tagliafico as the starter and Marcos Acuña, Gabriel Rojas, and Valentín Barco fighting for a roster spot. Rojas, in strong form at Racing, has added momentum to his case. Midfielders Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni are locked in a direct duel for a World Cup berth. Both are seeking their first major tournament appearance, but only one will make the final squad. Mastantuono’s performances at Real Madrid and Prestianni’s goal in Benfica’s last match before his return to the national team highlight their respective strengths. In attack, the competition for the third center-forward spot is between José Manuel López and Joaquín Panichelli.#lionel_scaloni #argentina_national_team #emiliano_martinez #geronimo_rulli #marcos_senesi
Argentina Are Gambling With Their World Cup Preparation The final preparations for the 2026 World Cup were meant to provide clarity for Argentina’s squad, but instead, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a cloud of uncertainty as he prepares to defend the title. The Argentine Football Association’s (AFA) scheduling decisions, which prioritize financial gain and minimize risk, have left the team with a lack of meaningful competition, raising concerns about their readiness for the tournament. This March’s international window was intended to be a stress test, featuring a high-stakes match against Spain in the Finalissima and a competitive friendly against a World Cup-qualified team from Qatar. These fixtures would have simulated tournament conditions with credible opposition and tactical challenges. However, the war in the Middle East and scheduling conflicts forced the AFA to replace these games with matches against Mauritania and Zambia—teams ranked far below the middle tier of international football. Both matches will take place in Buenos Aires, under Argentina’s terms, offering little insight into how the squad will perform under pressure. While the games may provide fitness and rhythm, they fail to test the team’s ability to adapt to competitive scenarios. The 2024 Copa América further highlights Argentina’s struggles beyond their home turf. Despite winning the tournament, the team rarely dominated, relying on narrow victories and penalty shootouts. Away from home, Argentina’s performance in World Cup qualifying matches against Colombia, Paraguay, and Ecuador underscored their vulnerability. These results suggest that while Argentina remains elite in their own country, they are not guaranteed success on the global stage.#argentina #finalissima #world_cup_2026 #lionel_scaloni #argentine_football_association
