Despite arriving as top contenders, Argentina were defeated by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. After several hours of silence, Emiliano Martínez decided to say a few words to the fans, casting doubt over his future with La Albiceleste. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Argentina established as one of the best national teams, due to their attacking brilliance. After coming from behind against England, they entered the final as one of the top contenders, but were defeated by Spain. Following this, several stars have already broken their silence by addressing the fans. Emiliano Martínez has been the latest to do so, casting doubt over his future with the Albiceleste. “I dreamed that we would win it again. I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more. The truth is, the pain is difficult to explain. Now it’s time to reflect on many things and see how to move forward, and whether it’s time to step aside. I’m truly sorry. I really gave everything I had to help my country and my teammates,” Emiliano Martinez said on his Instagram profile. Despite Emiliano Martínez remaining one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he has decided to reflect on his future. Already 33 years old, he would be 37 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, possibly no longer at his best. Coming off a heroic performance in the current tournament, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste does not seem to make much sense, as he is still superior to the backup options available. Emiliano Martínez was Argentina’s best player at the 2026 World Cup. In the middle of Spain‘s attacking onslaught, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was the player who touched the ball the most and completed the most passes for his national team. In addition, he kept the team alive for 106 minutes, making numerous saves. Therefore, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste would be a major blow. Nico Williams #17 of Spain heads the ball saved by Emiliano Martinez #23 of Argentina. Emiliano Martínez eclipsed Unai Simon at the 2026 World Cup At the end of the 2026 World Cup final, Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award in recognition of his outstanding performances. Having conceded just one goal, he kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, allowing him to break an all-time tournament record. However, the fans do not seem to agree with FIFA’s award, as Emiliano Martínez had a better performance throughout the tournament. According to Opta Analyst on its website, Emiliano made 20 saves throughout the World Cup, facing more chances than Unai Simón, who made only nine saves during the tournament. In addition, Argentina faced major defensive problems, while Spain had one of the best defenses in the tournament. With this significant difference, the 33-year-old star was considered the clear deserving winner of the Golden Glove award. Who could replace Emiliano Martinez in Argentina’s future? Throughout the last few years, head coach Lionel Scaloni has had Emiliano Martínez as his undisputed starter. In the middle of his possible retirement, Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli emerge as the clear options in the short term for the 2028 Copa América. However, both are over 31 years old, making them unlikely for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, Argentina set their sights on a promising goalkeeper. Santiago Beltrán emerges as Argentina’s biggest prospect for the future. At just 21 years old, he is already River Plate’s starting goalkeeper, delivering solid performances. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni already called him up for two friendlies: vs. Honduras and vs. Iceland before the 2026 World Cup. If he continues his progress, he could be the great hope to be the starter in the 2030 edition, where they will look to win the title again.
Hirving Lozano, one of the most recognizable figures of his generation, will not be part of the national team’s campaign, leaving many wondering why one of El Tri’s most famous stars is missing from soccer’s biggest stage. With Mexico hosting the FIFA World Cup for a historic third time, one notable absence has generated significant discussion among supporters. Hirving Lozano, one of the most recognizable figures of his generation, will not be part of the national team’s campaign, leaving many wondering why one of El Tri’s most famous stars is missing from soccer’s biggest stage. The winger’s absence comes as Mexico enters the tournament with high expectations after winning the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and earning the privilege of opening the tournament against South Africa. While attention is focused on the squad selected by coach Javier Aguirre, questions surrounding Lozano continue to dominate conversations ahead of kickoff. Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup carrying both opportunity and pressure. The national team has qualified for 18 World Cup tournaments, and this year marks the first time the country has hosted the competition three times, having previously staged the event in 1970 and 1986. Under veteran coach Javier Aguirre, the national team hopes to capitalize on home advantage and finally move beyond the barriers that have frustrated generations of supporters. Mexico’s best World Cup performances came during those previous home tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals on both occasions. Luis Chavez of Mexico celebrates with teammates The squad features experienced names such as Raul Jimenez, Edson Alvarez, and Guillermo Ochoa, while younger talents, including Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas, are expected to play important roles. However, one familiar name is missing from the roster. Why Hirving Lozano was left out The main reason behind Lozano’s exclusion was a lack of regular competitive play in the months leading up to the World Cup. As per ESPN’s reports, the winger experienced difficulties at San Diego FC following a reported disagreement with head coach Mikey Varas. The situation ultimately led to Lozano falling out of the club’s sporting plans and spending a prolonged period away from regular first-team action. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made it clear throughout the selection process that consistent playing time would be a requirement for World Cup consideration. With Lozano unable to meet that standard, his omission became increasingly likely. The decision was first signaled when the winger failed to make Aguirre’s preliminary 55-man squad. Once his name was absent from that list, a place in the final 26-man roster became virtually impossible. Hirving Lozano of Mexico celebrates by sliding on his knees after scoring Aguirre’s firm selection policy Aguirre adopted a strict approach during the buildup to the tournament. The veteran coach insisted that every player selected must be fully committed and actively competing at club level. The manager even issued a strong warning regarding attendance at pre-World Cup training camps: “Whoever doesn’t come will be out of the World Cup. That is something we cannot be flexible about, not in the least.” That philosophy extended beyond training attendance and influenced the entire squad-building process. Players who were competing regularly and maintaining strong form received preference over established veterans lacking match rhythm. As a result, Mexico’s final squad reflected current form rather than past achievements. Lozano’s legacy with Mexico remains secure Although he will miss the tournament, Lozano’s contributions to Mexican soccer remain significant. Since making his senior debut in 2016, the winger scored 18 goals in 75 appearances for the national team and became one of the country’s most dangerous attacking players. His pace, direct running, and eye for goal helped Mexico compete against some of the world’s strongest teams. His most memorable moment arrived dur
Lionel Messi is further along in his recovery than expected and could get some time on the pitch ahead of Argentina's World Cup campaign. The post Messi could be fit enough to play in pre-World Cup friendlies appeared first on SoccerNews.
Lionel Messi could see changes in Argentina's World Cup roster as head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly set a fitness deadline for players to meet. Lionel Messi has officially reported to the Argentina national team camp in Kansas City to launch preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in less than two weeks. However, the tournament dreams of several marquee teammates are hanging by a thread, as head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly issued a strict fitness ultimatum to his squad. Unveiling his final 26-man roster last Thursday, May 28, three days ahead of FIFA’s official deadline, Scaloni took a calculated gamble by including a handful of key figures who wrapped up their club seasons carrying lingering physical knocks. Now, with high-intensity training sessions underway, those who fail to hit prescribed medical benchmarks risk being ruthlessly axed from the traveling delegation. According to a report from ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig and Esteban Edul, Scaloni and his coaching staff are meticulously evaluating the physical state of every individual on the roster. Any player deemed physically incapable of enduring the grueling demands of a month-long World Cup campaign faces the very real threat of being replaced before the opening whistle. Having delivered this message directly to the squad at Sporting Kansas City’s training facilities, Scaloni intends to use Argentina‘s upcoming exhibition matches to make his final personnel determinations. To separate the fully fit from the compromised, the upcoming training sessions are expected to be incredibly punishing, pushing every player to their absolute physical limit. #SelecciónMayor Primeros movimientos en el gimnasio. ¡Vamos con todo! 💪🏼🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/z94i5WLJfz— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 1, 2026 Per tournament regulations, Argentina has until June 15 to make emergency modifications to its roster, exactly 24 hours before their highly anticipated group-stage debut against Algeria. While warm-up friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 offer a vital stage for players to state their case, their durability will be tested on a daily basis in America’s heartland. Which players are at risk of being dropped? This hardline approach mirrors the drama of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, when Joaquin Correa and Nicolas Gonzalez were cut from the squad just days before the opener due to chronic fitness issues. Scaloni views these high-stress training sessions as the ultimate litmus test for tournament readiness, though this strict policy won’t apply uniformly across the entire infirmary. As revealed by ESPN Argentina, starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez’s fractured finger is the squad’s most glaring injury, yet his irreplaceable stature guarantees his spot on the plane. A similar tier of immunity extends to defensive anchor Cristian Romero (knee sprain), star striker Julián Alvarez (sprained ankle), and, naturally, Lionel Messi, who is currently managing a mild hamstring strain. Instead, the players firmly on the roster bubble are right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, both of whom are rushing back from complex muscle tears, alongside midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is battling a severe muscle overload. Should any of this trio falter, Scaloni has clever insurance policies in place, having brought along six supplemental training players, including rising starlets Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay, who are eager to claim a vacant spot. On a brighter note, Como’s Nico Paz and Atletico Madrid’s Nicolas Gonzalez have reportedly shaken off their respective ailments and are training without restrictions. Nonetheless, Scaloni retains total flexibility for any roster changes right up until the final hour if any fresh injuries surface.
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