Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires last Tuesday, March 25.
The Argentines had defeated Uruguay 1-0 in their previous match a few days prior, making that 31 points from 14 matches and ensuring their qualification to the next World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
The Albiceleste have won 10 of their 14 matches in their World Cup qualifiers – an incredible record.
Lionel Scaloni’s men, the world champions, should be in a good position to defend their crown in the next World Cup.
Argentina’s Young Guard Has Stepped Forward
Neither Lionel Messi nor Angel Di Maria, who have played in 191 and 145 international matches for Argentina, respectively, featured in the last couple of World Cup qualifiers for their country.
Thiago Almada and Giuliano Simeone played on the two flanks and Julian Alvarez played as the No. 9. Almada and Simeone scored against Uruguay and Brazil, respectively.
Simeone is the son of former Argentine star and Atletico Madrid manager, Diego. He earned his first cap last year and has made only three appearances for the national team.
On the other hand, Almada has played in seven matches for Argentina and has scored three goals.
Simeone plays his football for Atletico Madrid and Almada for Botafogo, but is currently on a loan to Lyon.
These two youngsters might have to shoulder a lot of responsibility for the national team in the coming years.
Messi and Di Maria will be 39 and 38, respectively, during the next World Cup. It is almost unheard of for players to excel in a major international tournament at that age.
Hence, the chances of Messi or Di Maria playing an active role in Argentina’s campaign seem to be very slim.
Alvarez, who was a member of the World Cup-winning team in 2022, might have to play the role of a senior in the next one. He also scored against Brazil, making that 12 goals in 44 international appearances.
With midfielders like Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul forming a strong core of the team along with the likes of Nicolas Otamendi in defence, the Albiceleste have a formidable line-up, which has performed consistently in the last few years.
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A Chance for Argentina’s Youngsters to Shine in Upcoming Qualifiers
The Argentines will take on Chile and Colombia in their next set of World Cup qualifiers in June. They will then face Venezuela and Ecuador in September.
The world champions will start as the favourites in each of those matches.
However, it is the right moment for Scaloni to hone his younger players through the demands and rigors of international football.
The likes of Simeone and Almada should now gather as much experience as they can by featuring in World Cup qualifiers.
With the qualification now ensured, the pressure on them will be less. It should give them an opportunity to gain maturity in the course of time.
It remains to be seen how Scaloni’s men manage to deal with the likely absence of Messi and Di Maria from this point onward until the World Cup next year.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pera Photo Press
Recording Date: 26.03.2025