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Tercera División RFEF - Promotion - Play-offs · #0 · Spain · 27 yrs
Nicolás González is a professional football player. Nicolás González is a Spanish international, 27 years old. Nicolás González was born in Spain on 1997-04-11. Nicolás González's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Tercera División RFEF - Promotion - Play-offs. Nicolás González's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Nicolás González season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
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With today's 2026 World Cup final on deck, questions are already swirling over whether Lionel Messi and his supporting cast can defy the aging curve to return for the 2030 tournament. Lionel Messi has once again guided Argentina to a World Cup final, this time anchoring a deeply talented supporting cast during the 2026 tournament in North America. As fans and pundits immediately begin to wonder whether the legendary playmaker could realistically push for the 2030 World Cup, a look at the roster reveals a stark divide between core players who will still be in their athletic primes and veterans who are likely facing their international curtain call. Born on June 24, 1987, Messi was 38 years old when the 2026 tournament kicked off on June 11. Having successfully navigated a grueling group stage and knockout run all the way to the final, the Inter Miami star recently celebrated his 39th birthday on the pitch, continuing to defy typical aging curves with a masterclass of tournament orchestration. The 2030 World Cup will mark a unique centennial celebration, with the opening matches scheduled for June 8 and 9 in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before the tournament moves entirely to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. By the time that tournament kicks off, Messi will be 42 years old, meaning that if the Albiceleste were to make another deep run with their captain on the roster, the icon would turn 43 before the final whistle. The overarching question is whether Messi will even be active by the turn of the decade. His current contract with MLS side Inter Miami runs through December 2028, at which point he will be 41 years old. When pressed on his longevity, the Argentine captain has consistently maintained that his future depends entirely on how his body feels, taking the exact same year-by-year approach that ultimately allowed him to feature in the 2026 cycle. Lautaro Martinez #22, Cristian Romero #13, Emiliano Martinez #23 and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina sing the national anthem Argentina stars in their prime or approaching retirement? When looking at the roster flanking Messi, the squad dynamics will inevitably shift heavily before the 2030 cycle. The most definitive departure will be veteran center back Nicolas Otamendi, currently 38, who has already confirmed that this North American campaign represents his final appearance in the famous sky-blue and white jersey. Slightly younger foundational pieces will face their own race against time, including goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez (33), fullback Nicolas Tagliafico (33), and midfielders Leandro Paredes (32) and Rodrigo De Paul (32). While modern goalkeepers routinely excel well into their late 30s, the three outfield players have logged immense physical miles as the high-intensity engine room of Argentina’s modern golden era. Conversely, a dominant core of the current starting eleven will be entering their early 30s, right in the sweet spot of veteran experience. This includes Lisandro Martinez (28), Cristian “Cuti” Romero (28), Alexis Mac Allister (27), Lautaro Martinez (28), and Julian Alvarez (26), while rising talents like Nico Paz (21), Valentin Barco (21), and Giuliano Simeone (23) are poised to be fully established European stars by 2030. Projected ages for Argentina’s 2030 World Cup cycle PlayerAge in 2026 World CupAge in 2030 World CupEmiliano Martinez3337Juan Musso3236Geronimo Rulli3438Nahuel Molina2832Gonzalo Montiel2933Cristian Romero2832Lisandro Martinez2832Nicolas Otamendi3842Marcos Senesi2933Facundo Medina2731Nicolas Tagliafico3337Leandro Paredes3236Exequiel Palacios2731Giovani Lo Celso3034Valentin Barco2125Rodrigo De Paul3236Alexis Mac Allister2731Enzo Fernandez2529Giuliano Simeone2327Nico Paz2125Nicolas Gonzalez2832Thiago Almada2529Lionel Messi3943Julian Alvarez2630Lautaro Martinez2832Jose Manuel Lopez2529
With Leandro Paredes surprisingly beginning the 2026 World Cup final on the bench, Argentina enters its showdown with Spain carrying one of the biggest pre-match talking points of the tournament. With Leandro Paredes surprisingly beginning the 2026 World Cup final on the bench, Argentina enters its showdown with Spain carrying one of the biggest pre-match talking points of the tournament. Supporters immediately began wondering why one of Lionel Scaloni’s trusted midfielders was left out of the starting lineup. The defending world champion arrived at MetLife Stadium with several adjustments to the lineup that defeated England in the semifinals. Lionel Scaloni introduced three changes, with Nicolas Gonzalez replacing Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul returning to the starting lineup, and Gonzalo Montiel coming in at right back instead of Nahuel Molina. The decision is purely tactical rather than injury-related. There have been no reports of injury, suspension, or disciplinary issues, and Paredes remains fully available as a substitute. Instead, Scaloni appears to have tailored his lineup specifically for Spain’s style of play. The coaching staff opted for greater mobility, pressing ability, and attacking energy, believing those qualities would better match the European champion’s possession-based approach. With Spain expected to dominate long stretches of possession through players such as Rodri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal, Argentina has prioritized midfielders capable of covering wider areas while quickly transitioning into attack.
After the team’s third-placed finish, we rate the 24 squad members who made an appearance at the tournamentJordan Pickford Could he have done better with Enzo Fernández’s equaliser for Argentina? Jude Bellingham certainly thought so. But the man who has made more World Cup finals appearances than any other Englishman made some crucial saves, including a brilliant stop from Nicolas González in the semi-final. 7 Continue reading...
Argentina face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, and Rodrigo De Paul could return to the starting lineup alongside Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi will chase his second title when Argentina face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. For this crucial match, Rodrigo De Paul has a real chance of returning to the starting lineup. According to ESPN’s Martin Arevalo, the Inter Miami midfielder is expected to return to Argentina’s starting lineup against Spain, reclaiming his spot in midfield after starting the semifinal win over England from the bench. Lionel Scaloni is reportedly planning two changes to the side that beat England, both coming on the right side of the field. Alongside De Paul‘s return, Gonzalo Montiel is in line to start at right-back, with Nahuel Molina expected to make way. Argentine insider Gaston Edul reported that while the lineup will be finalized by tomorrow at noon, Scaloni left both Nicolas Gonzalez and Molina out of the starters during Argentina’s final training session. On to glory, again 🔜🏆 pic.twitter.com/GO9Lnqlb7q— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 15, 2026 In a press conference ahead of the match, Scaloni confirmed he still hasn’t settled on a team, noting that several players aren’t at 100% and that he’ll wait to see their condition on Sunday before finalizing his lineup. “We’re focused on rest right now. Based on that, we’ll see how they’re doing. Because there are players who aren’t at 100%. We’ll see how they are, and then decide what team we put out on Sunday,” the Argentina coach said. Argentina’s potential lineup Should the reports from Argentina’s insiders be confirmed, this would be the team to face Spain: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
The continuity has been a huge reason for the 2026 World Cup participation for Argentina as most of their players were present in Qatar. The final of the 2026 World Cup has Argentina and Spain as the last teams remaining in the competition, making it Argentina’s second consecutive appearance after beating France in Qatar. While the team has many strengths, continuity may be the main reason Argentina are once again where they are. Helped by a squad that had already gone through a renewal process, most of the same players remain and have continued to deliver strong performances. From the team that won the title four years ago, 17 players are still part of the squad. Gerónimo Rulli, Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez are the players who were selected for both squads. The 2026 team Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez. The team of the final (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Defenders: Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, and Nahuel Molina. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás González, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández. Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, José Manuel López, and Lautaro Martínez. The 2022 team Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez. Defenders: Juan Foyth, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, and Marcos Acuña. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Ángel Di María, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alejandro Gómez, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández. Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Ángel Correa, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martínez.
According to reports, Lionel Scaloni is considering changes around Lionel Messi ahead of the clash with England, with Rodrigo De Paul potentially left out of the starting lineup. Lionel Messi‘s Argentina remain firmly on course in their bid to defend their title, and they now face England in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the final on the line. For this crucial match, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make changes to the side that defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and according to ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig, Rodrigo De Paul is one of the players who could be dropped from the starting eleven. The Inter Miami midfielder is reportedly in danger of losing his starting spot against England, with Nicolas Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone under consideration to replace him. De Paul was one of the low points in Argentina‘s win over Switzerland, which is why Scaloni could opt to bring in both Gonzalez and Simeone out wide in midfield. Up front, the coach is expected to keep Messi alongside Julian Alvarez, again leaving Lautaro Martinez among the substitutes. Giuliano Simeone #17 of Argentina is defended by Nizar Alrashdan #21 of Jordan. (Getty Images) Nicolas Otamendi could earn a spot as well Among the variants Scaloni is weighing is a change in formation. During much of Monday’s training session, the coach tested a back-five setup, with Nicolas Otamendi coming in as a center back alongside Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, aiming for a more solid structure against England’s attacking threat. That scheme would cost Rodrigo De Paul his spot in midfield to bring the veteran defender into the back line, a call Scaloni could hold off on until just before Wednesday’s clash in Atlanta. Playing with five defenders isn’t new for Scaloni — he made the same switch during Qatar 2022, changing his approach against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, a match Argentina went on to win on penalties.
Set to face England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make changes to Lionel Messi's Argentina XI, with two key doubts yet to be solved. Argentina are through to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after another unconvincing performance, this time against Switzerland, with Lionel Messi once again carrying the load. With England up next and a place in the final on the line, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly planning changes to his starting lineup, with two positions in particular still up in the air. The 3-1 scoreline at Arrowhead Stadium was flattering. Argentina struggled for long stretches playing eleven against eleven, and it took Breel Embolo’s red card and an extra-time comeback to seal the result. England, ranked fourth in the FIFA Rankings, represent the toughest opponent Argentina have faced in the entire 2026 World Cup, and Scaloni appears to recognize that adjustments are necessary. On Monday, Argentina held their final training session in Kansas City at the Compass Mineral Center before departing for Atlanta. The AFA’s official report noted that the squad “focused on possession drills, recovery after turnovers, and attacking progression,” closing the session with small-sided games. Argentina to hold the system According to Diario Ole‘s Hernan Claus, an insider close to the Argentina national team, Scaloni has been working between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2, consistent with the formations used throughout the tournament. However, with the current group of starters struggling to find the right balance, the coach experimented with several personnel changes in key positions during Monday’s session. #SelecciónMayor ¡Llegamos a Atlanta! pic.twitter.com/loPvPZsjs3— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 14, 2026 Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios featured in the starting lineup for part of the training session, offering a ball-retention profile in midfield that Argentina lacked against Switzerland. Giuliano Simeone also got some minutes, providing a wider, more direct option down the flank as an alternative to the more technical Mac Allister-Fernandez-Paredes-De Paul setup Scaloni has favored. The right back position also saw rotation, with both Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel cycling through the role as they have done throughout the tournament, with neither player having done enough to make the spot their own. According to the Argentine outlet, nine players appear close to certain starters against England: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi, and Julian Alvarez. Of those who started against Switzerland, Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina appear most at risk of losing their places. Scaloni considering a 5-3-2 system? One of the more significant possibilities reported by Diario Ole is a switch to a 5-3-2 for the England semifinal. In Monday’s session, Scaloni trialed a back three of Nicolas Otamendi, Cristián Romero, and Lisandro Martinez, with Molina and Simeone as right wing backs, Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez on the left, a midfield three of De Paul, Fernandez, and Mac Allister, and Messi and Alvarez as the two forwards. It would not be the first time Scaloni has made such a tactical shift under pressure, having deployed a similar approach in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands, a match Argentina controlled for long stretches despite finishing 2-2. The final decision is expected to come after Tuesday’s training session in Atlanta, but one thing already appears clear: Scaloni will not be sending out the same lineup that started against Egypt or Switzerland.
After athe thrilling 3-2 win over Egypt, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to keep most of Lionel Messi's lineup unchanged to face Switzerland for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Lionel Messi is preparing for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals after another thrilling but unconvincing win, this time a 3-2 comeback over Egypt. With Switzerland up next, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to make minimal changes to Argentina’s lineup that started against the African side. Tuesday’s match looked like it might spell the end of Messi’s World Cup run, with Argentina trailing 2-0 until the 78th minute before the Inter Miami star once again dragged his side to victory. Despite the performance leaving plenty of questions unanswered, the coaching staff appears unwilling to shake things up significantly. According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, no major changes are expected between the Egypt and Switzerland lineups for Saturday’s quarterfinal on July 12th. During Thursday’s training session, Scaloni did not run a full practice game as he typically does at this stage, suggesting the adjustments will be minimal, with Friday’s session expected to be the final one before the match. Players who earned their spot in the starting XI against Egypt are also expected to retain it. Nicolas Tagliafico, fully fit, will hold the left back position, while Leandro Paredes appears set to keep his place after a standout defensive contribution that included a crucial recovery to stop a dangerous Egyptian counterattack. Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt compete for the ball. Julian Alvarez is also expected to remain as Messi’s attacking partner despite continued questions about his form. While Lautaro Martinez has looked the sharper finisher in the final third, Alvarez’s work rate and explosiveness are seen as better suited to breaking down a well-organized Swiss defensive block on Saturday. Two doubts in Argentina’s squad The right back position remains a genuine competition, with Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel both pushing for the starting spot. Neither has been particularly convincing throughout the tournament, leaving the position unsettled heading into a quarterfinal. Montiel came on in the 73rd minute against Egypt with the score at 0-2 and made an immediate impact, setting up Messi for the 2-2 while positioned as a No. 9 inside the box in the 83rd minute. Even so, both players have shown vulnerabilities on and off the ball, and their inclusion may hinge on how they come through Friday’s training session. The other open question is whether Nicolas Gonzalez will force his way into Argentina‘s midfield picture. The Atletico Madrid winger came on against Egypt as a substitute and immediately injected the pace that had been missing throughout, and with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul both below their best, Gonzalez’s ability to change the tempo makes him a compelling wildcard option against Switzerland. Projected lineup for Argentina Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez.Defenders: Nahuel Molina/Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolas Tagliafico.Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister.Forwards: Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.
After a hard-fought win against Cape Verde, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni is weighing at least one change per line in Lionel Messi's lineup against Egypt. Argentina survived a scare against Cape Verde, edging through to the Round of 16 with a 3-2 win that once again required Lionel Messi to bail out the Albiceleste at a critical moment. With Egypt up next, head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly considering one change in each line of the starting lineup that faced the African side. After the match, Messi was candid about the team’s shortcomings, telling reporters “we did some good things, but we have a lot to correct because we also made plenty of mistakes.” The inability to control the game’s tempo and a lack of pressing intensity in transition were the two areas most flagged internally, and both will factor into Scaloni’s lineup decisions heading into the Egypt clash. According to TyC Sports and ESPN, the main question in the defensive line is the left back spot. Facundo Medina, who had earned his starting place with strong performances earlier in the tournament, was forced off against Cape Verde with a cramp, opening the door for Nicolas Tagliafico to reclaim his position on the left side of the defense. The midfield’s lack of dynamism also raised alarm bells within Scaloni’s coaching staff. With Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister struggling in the double pivot, Leandro Paredes has emerged as a candidate to add structure in the inner channels, which would push the Liverpool midfielder wider to the left and push Thiago Almada out of the starting eleven. Helio Varela #26 of Cabo Verde competes for the ball against Leandro Paredes #5 and Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina. A second option, floated by Argentine insider Gastón Edul, is Nicolas Gonzalez, who came off the bench and changed the game against Cape Verde when Argentina were struggling to create. The decision will hinge on Scaloni’s tactical approach: Gonzalez offers electric pace down the left flank, addressing one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses, while Paredes would bring greater balance to a side that was repeatedly exposed in central transitions. In the attacking line, the striker question remains open. Julian Alvarez’s ankle injury had already cost him his starting spot, and Lautaro Martinez’s showing against Cape Verde did little to strengthen his case. ESPN reports that the Atletico Madrid forward is now in line to start, which would mark only his second appearance in the XI this World Cup after the Jordan match. Argentina’s projected lineup vs Egypt Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez starts in goal, one of the few truly untouchable names on Scaloni’s team sheet throughout the tournament. The back four is expected to feature Nahuel Molina at right back, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as the central defensive partnership, and Nicolas Tagliafico returning at left back in place of Medina. #SelecciónMayor Jornada de trabajos futbolísticos y viaje hacia Atlanta para comenzar a definir lo que se viene. ¡Vamos, vamos, Selección! 🎶🎵 pic.twitter.com/l8JsKRLRJ6— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 5, 2026 In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister are all expected to hold their places. The final midfield spot remains the key decision ahead of the match, with the choice between Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Gonzalez at Thiago Almada’s expense likely to come down to the final training session and Scaloni’s read on Egypt‘s setup. Up front, Messi leads the line once again after another decisive display against Cape Verde, now carrying seven goals in four games at this World Cup. Julian Alvarez is expected to partner him in attack over Lautaro Martinez, with this shaping up to be only his second start of the tournament.
Lionel Messi made history with a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup debut. With the competition already underway, the 2026 World Cup saw a new group begin its action as Group J brought Argentina against Algeria. In a match that should remain in history, Lionel Messi scored three goals to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory. In the first half, there were not many chances, with a disallowed goal for Messi and another for Farès Chaïbi for offside, while not much else happened. That was until Messi received a through ball before shooting from distance to score the opening goal. What came next was not much different from the rest of the match. However, the gap between the teams grew after Alexis Mac Allister shot from distance and Messi scored after a poor rebound from Luca Zidane. Messi then scored again from a Nicolás González pass, firing from the edge of the box to complete the hat-trick and move him level with Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history, with 16.
With a stunning strike, Lionel Messi opened the score for Argentina against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup. Defending champions Argentina and Algeria clashed Tuesday night at Kansas City Stadium for a highly anticipated Matchday 1 Group J showdown at the 2026 World Cup. In another masterclass, Lionel Messi tied the competition’s scoring record with his first hat trick in the competition. The historic breakthrough began with Rodrigo De Paul, who threaded a pinpoint, line-breaking through ball to find Messi in the attacking third. Seizing the pocket of space, the Inter Miami superstar drove forward and unleashed a ferocious strike from just outside the 18-yard box; though Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane managed to get a hand on the ball, the sheer power carried it into the back of the net to ignite the stadium in the 17th minute. MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 The reigning champions doubled their advantage in the 60th minute following a chaotic sequence in the Algerian box. Alexis Mac Allister collected a deflected cross from Nicolas Gonzalez and unleashed a thunderous strike from well outside the box; though Luca Zidane managed to parry the initial blast, he spilled the rebound directly into the danger zone. With Algerian defender Aissa Mandi completely blowing the offside trap by sitting too deep, Messi easily stepped up to slide home a right-footed tap-in and secure his brace. IT’S A LIONEL MESSI BRACE IN THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/UySEduMBpo— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 Messi capped off his historic night in the 76th minute, putting the exclamation point on a lethal Argentine counterattack. Nicolas Gonzalez spearheaded the break before cutting a precise pass back to Messi, who cleanly controlled the ball and curled a clinical, pinpoint finish into the back of the net from just outside the 18-yard box to secure his first career World Cup hat trick. Then, head coach Lionel Scaloni immediately subbed his captain off to allow Nico Paz some minutes, triggering a deafening standing ovation from the Kansas City crowd as Messi walked off the pitch. FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK FOR MESSI! 🇦🇷Lionel Messi ties Miroslav Klose for the most goals in Men’s FIFA World Cup history with 16 🐐 pic.twitter.com/vw6bl65w7s— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 The match opened at a breathless pace, and Argentina nearly took the lead even earlier. Just five minutes into the contest, Lautaro Martinez held up play brilliantly and laid the ball off for Messi to smash it home, but the referee quickly waved off the opening tally due to a slight offside call against the No. 10. A nearly identical drama unfolded on the opposite end just moments later, this time breaking the hearts of the Algerian fans. In the 8th minute, Fares Chaibi exploited a gap in the backline, burst into the Argentine penalty box, and cleanly beat Emi Martinez, but the linesman’s flag went up immediately, keeping the African side off the scoreboard. The Group J clash against Algeria marks a monumental 200th international appearance for Messi in the Argentina kit, a staggering benchmark that distances him from any other player in the rich history of the Albiceleste. With his first-half breakthrough, the captain elevates his international production to 118 goals and 64 assists, concurrently logging the 912th and 913th official goal of his career for club and country. Messi temporarily matches Cristiano Ronaldo record Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are rewriting the history books together at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first players in soccer history to feature in six different editions of the tournament since their shared debuts back in 2006. While Portugal has yet to kick off its Group K campaign against Congo DR on Wednesday, Messi’s opening-half goal against Algeria allowed him to temporarily draw level with his long-time rival in a highly exclusive
Lionel Scaloni is beginning to shape Argentina's lineup for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria, with Lionel Messi expected to be part of the starting XI. The reigning champions will make their 2026 FIFA World Cup debut next Tuesday. Argentina and Algeria will begin their Group J campaign alongside Austria and Jordan, and with that challenge in mind, Lionel Scaloni is preparing a lineup featuring Lionel Messi and a few surprises. According to ESPN, during the team’s latest training session, the head coach organized several ball drills in which he divided the squad into different groups. One of those groups, consisting of 10 outfield players while the goalkeepers trained separately, appears to be a strong indication of the team set to start the opener. Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez were the players selected by Scaloni during that portion of the session. While it was not a formal match simulation, the group featured 10 players who can easily be arranged into a starting lineup, providing valuable clues about the plans the coach has in mind three days before the clash against Algeria. Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina. Scaloni’s dilemmas The biggest surprise in that potential lineup came at full-back. On the right side, with Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina only recently returning from muscle injuries, Giuliano Simeone was the preferred option. On the opposite flank, with Nicolas Tagliafico ruled out for the opening match, Lisandro Martinez could fill that role. Both decisions have been driven by fitness concerns, forcing Scaloni to improvise with players who typically occupy different positions on the field. At Atletico Madrid, Simeone primarily plays as a wide midfielder or winger, while Martinez operates as a center back for Manchester United. That said, both players possess qualities that allow them to play as full-backs. The movements seen during training were likely part of an evaluation process as Scaloni assesses whether to include either player in the starting lineup. In Argentina’s pre-World Cup friendlies, Agustin Giay started at right back, although he was not included in the final 26-man roster, while Montiel logged a few minutes against Iceland. On the left side, Tagliafico played the first half against Honduras before suffering a muscle injury that forced him off. Nicolas Gonzalez and Facundo Medina later filled that position. Argentina closely monitoring the recovery of several players With Argentina‘s World Cup opener now just three days away, the team’s biggest concern remains the fitness of several key players. However, there has been encouraging news in recent hours. “Argentina have recovered almost all of their injured players: Julian, Paredes, Cuti Romero, Nico Paz, Nico Gonzalez, Molina and Montiel are all training with the group,” TyC Sports insider Gaston Edul said Saturday through his official X account. “Dibu is increasing his workload and will start the first match,” the reporter added regarding goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has been dealing with a fractured finger since the UEFA Europa League final with Aston Villa. “Tagliafico is the only player still training separately because of a soleus injury.”
Nicolas Gonzalez and Nicolas Tagliafico are causing concern for Argentina ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. Argentina are just days away from beginning their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, but concerns over the fitness of several players have overshadowed preparations for their opening match. Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez are at the center of those worries. “Nicolas Tagliafico is dealing with a physical issue, and it remains unclear whether he will be available next Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City for the first Group J match,” prominent Argentine outlet Infobae reported on Thursday, in a story also cited by TyC Sports and ESPN. The 33-year-old left back suffered a knock to his calf during last Saturday’s friendly against Honduras, forcing him to leave the match at halftime. The issue persisted in the following days, preventing him from playing against Iceland on Tuesday. The slow pace of his recovery has raised concerns within the Argentina camp. The situation is further complicated by the fact that one of Tagliafico’s potential replacements is also dealing with fitness problems. Nicolas Gonzalez filled in at left back during the second half against Iceland and is now facing physical concerns of his own. Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina. “Nico Gonzalez is also not fully fit and has become another question mark, considering his recent injury history,” Infobae added. The Atletico Madrid player missed the final stretch of the season in Spain with a muscle injury that also prevented him from training alongside his Argentina teammates during the first days of camp. Argentina’s options at left back For the past four years, Nicolas Tagliafico has been Argentina’s first-choice left back. He started the 2022 World Cup final against France and has remained a regular fixture in Lionel Scaloni’s squad ever since. With his availability for the match against Algeria now in doubt, the head coach must consider alternatives on the left side of defense. The leading option is Facundo Medina, who played there against Iceland. However, his natural position is center back, and using him as a fullback is viewed primarily as an emergency solution. Argentina have three other players in the squad capable of filling Tagliafico’s role. One is the aforementioned Nicolas Gonzalez, although his availability for next Tuesday is also uncertain due to fitness concerns. Another option is Valentin Barco, who originally played as a left back but was converted into a midfielder at RC Strasbourg, where his performances earned him a place in the national team. The third possibility is the most recent addition to Argentina’s World Cup roster: Marcos Senesi. The defender, who impressed for Bournemouth last season, received a late call-up from Scaloni to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi and is expected to join Argentina training in the coming hours. Although he is primarily a center back, being left-footed also gives him the ability to play at left back, undoubtedly one of the reasons behind his selection.
Following Leonardo Balerdi's tournament-ending injury, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is reportedly leaning toward naming Guido Rodríguez as his replacement for the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has arrived at a critical decision point. The Argentina manager and his coaching staff must officially finalize and communicate their roster replacement for the injured Leonardo Balerdi before the 2026 World Cup gets underway. According to a report from ESPN Argentina insider Esteban Edul, Valencia defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the open roster spot left behind by the Olympique de Marseille center-back. While Edul noted that midfielders Máximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendía remain on Scaloni’s radar, Rodríguez currently holds a significant edge. By selecting a natural holding midfielder, Scaloni would secure tactical insurance for Leandro Paredes, who continues to undergo intensive rehabilitation for a right hamstring strain. Speaking at his Monday press conference ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Iceland, Scaloni indicated that a final decision will be made no later than Wednesday, June 10, factoring in how his remaining squad members recover physically from their final European warmup match. Guido Rodriguez of Argentina looks at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy. (Getty Images) “We can take these next few days, and by Wednesday, whoever we decide on will be with us,” Scaloni told reporters. “We feel well-covered in [Balerdi’s] position, so we will evaluate other options based on how the rest of the guys pull through physically”. Why is Scaloni swapping a defender for a midfielder? When Balerdi was ruled out with a muscle tear during training camp, conventional wisdom suggested Scaloni would simply call up a direct positional replacement or another versatile defender. However, the coaching staff is highly confident in their current defensive depth, assuming no further injuries surface before the opening World Cup whistle in North America. Argentina‘s final roster boasts a robust defensive unit featuring right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, a world-class central pairing of Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Otamendi, alongside Facundo Medina and Nicolás Tagliafico holding down the left side. Furthermore, Scaloni has baked immense flexibility into his squad; versatile players like Nicolás González, Valentín Barco, and Giuliano Simeone are fully capable of dropping back into wing-back roles, which would allow Medina to shift centrally if extra cover is needed.
Lionel Messi's Argentina will face Iceland in their final friendly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina will play their final warmup match before their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday. They will take on Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, and Lionel Messi will be part of the squad, although it remains unclear whether he will start or come off the bench. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi’s availability for the match during Monday’s press conference, saying: “He is going to play; what I don’t know is how many minutes. I still have to speak with him, we still have today’s training session. We will see how many minutes to avoid taking any kind of risk, and we will decide then. But in principle, yes, he will get minutes.” This is welcome news for Argentina, as the forward missed last Saturday’s friendly against Honduras while completing the final stage of his recovery from the muscle issue he suffered with Inter Miami on May 24. The reigning World Cup champions face their final test before next Tuesday’s Group J opener against Algeria. Their opponents on this occasion will be Iceland, the first European side they have faced since the 2022 World Cup final against France. However, Iceland are considered a lesser challenge, having failed to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina. Projected Argentina lineup Unlike Saturday’s match against Honduras, when most of the squad’s key players did not start, Argentina are expected to field several of their biggest stars against Iceland. That will probably include Lionel Messi alongside Lautaro Martinez in attack. Lionel Scaloni’s projected XI to face Iceland is: Geronimo Rulli; Nicolas Capaldo, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Gonzalez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez. Projected Iceland lineup After finishing third in Group D of the European qualifiers behind France and Ukraine, Iceland were eliminated from contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. As a result, their goal during the June FIFA international window has been to test themselves against top-level opponents while beginning preparations for the next cycle. After a 1-0 loss to Japan last week, they now face the difficult challenge of taking on Argentina. Head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson‘s projected lineup is: Hakon Valdimarsson; Logi Tomasson, Hordur Magnusson, Daniel Gretarsson, Stefan Thordarson, Dagur Thorhallsson; Kristian Hlynsson, Andri Baldursson, Gisli Thordarson, Mikael Ellertsson; Brynjolfur Willumsson.
With some players dealing with physical setbacks, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly identified five backup players that could have a last-minute call-up to be part of the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has already locked in his final roster as Argentina begins its World Cup title defense in North America. However, a select group of five alternate players remain on high alert, as Scaloni has reportedly touched base with them regarding potential last-minute injury call-ups. Although the 26-man roster has been formally submitted, the physical condition of several players remains under close scrutiny. Scaloni has reportedly made clear that any player who fails to meet the required fitness standards could be removed from the list, and a small group of reserves has been kept on notice as a precaution. According to Argentine outlet Doble Amarilla, Scaloni’s coaching staff has identified five players across different positions who could receive a call-up at short notice. The players in question are goalkeeper Santiago Beltran, defenders Nicolas Capaldo and Marcos Senesi, and midfielders Maximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendia. Each player has been selected with a specific contingency in mind, their profiles matching particular needs in the current squad. As reported by the outlet, Scaloni’s staff has communicated to these five players that they should remain available until 24 hours before the start of the World Cup, which is the window FIFA has established for roster changes resulting from certified medical situations. #SelecciónMayor Postales 📸 de un nuevo día de actividades en Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/XJuuwNF2ub— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 3, 2026 Five players on standby for six with fitness concerns The five-player reserve list was assembled with clear purpose, as each name directly corresponds to a current fitness concern within the squad. Lionel Messi currently heads a list of six players managing physical issues, joined by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, and midfielders Nico Paz and Leandro Paredes. The profiles of the five backup players align precisely with the positions at risk, each one a potential like-for-like solution should a roster change become necessary. With Argentina aiming to become back-to-back World Cup champions, these five players will need to delay their summer plans and remain ready. Last-minute changes have happened before Scaloni’s contingency planning is informed not only by the current crop of fitness concerns but also by what happened in the buildup to the 2022 World Cup. Just before the tournament began in Qatar, Nicolas Gonzalez was ruled out with a biceps femoris tear in his left leg, and Joaquin Correa was disaffected due to Achilles tendinitis in his left leg. In their place, Angel Correa and Thiago Almada were called up as surprise additions by Scaloni, both going on to play a role, albeit a limited one, as Argentina went all the way to claim the World Cup title.
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.
Lionel Messi will lead a revamped 26-man Argentina roster into the 2026 World Cup, featuring eight highly touted tournament debutants ready to step onto the grandest stage in international soccer. Lionel Messi is officially tuning up for his sixth and final World Cup campaign after manager Lionel Scaloni unveiled Argentina’s final 26-man squad, that will travel to North America looking to defend the title. The roster highlights a significant evolution from the group that hoisted the trophy in Qatar four years ago, with nine world champions missing out due to international retirement—such as icon Angel Di Maria—or direct tactical cuts by the coaching staff. To bridge the gap, Scaloni is injecting fresh energy into the squad, handing eight players the very first World Cup call-ups of their careers. Juan Musso, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Valentin Barco, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Nico Paz, and Jose Manuel Lopez represent the vital tactical newcomers integrated to help the Albiceleste retain their crown. Notably, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso also returns to the World Cup fold after a heartbreaking injury forced him to miss the 2022 tournament, though he previously made his tournament debut at Russia 2018. Meanwhile, high-profile Premier League stars Emiliano Buendía and Marcos Senesi stand as the most glaring omissions, failing to make the cut despite spectacular domestic campaigns. Here they are. These are the guys. pic.twitter.com/xU2lcpJnpW— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) May 28, 2026 Meet Argentina’s eight World Cup debutants Juan Musso The Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has been a consistent fixture throughout the Scaloni era, missing out on the 2022 squad purely due to the veteran logjam ahead of him. Musso forced his way onto the plane this time around on the heels of a stellar European season, racking up seven clean sheets in 18 appearances while anchoring Los Colchoneros during their deep run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Leonardo Balerdi A reliable asset throughout the CONMEBOL qualifying cycle, Balerdi enters the tournament as the primary cover for Cristian Romero in central defense. Having established himself as a mature defensive anchor and team leader at Olympique Marseille, Balerdi logged 36 appearances this season, contributing a goal and an assist. Facundo Medina On loan at Olympique Marseille from Lens, Medina emerged as one of the most intriguing inclusions on Scaloni’s final sheet. His supreme tactical versatility—capable of slotting in as a center-back or operating as a left-back—proved irresistible to the coaching staff. Despite missing a 16-match chunk of the season to a nagging ankle injury, his impact over 26 appearances was enough to earn his ticket. Valentin Barco Barco stands out as one of the most versatile utility players on the entire roster, seamlessly alternating between a left-back and a central midfielder. Following a spectacular 43-match campaign with Strasbourg—where he registered three goals, 11 assists, and reached the Conference League semifinals—Barco secured a high-profile transfer to Chelsea, where he will play after the tournament. Nico Paz Despite a late-season knee scare that threatened his availability, Paz recovered in time to cement his spot. The creative midfielder enjoyed a breakout year with Como, playing a starring role in driving the Italian side to a historic Champions League qualification spot. Paz comes off a season featuring 13 goals and eight assists in 40 games, positioning him to fight for a starting spot under Scaloni. Giuliano Simeone Simeone’s tireless work rate has made him a vital tactical piece in Scaloni’s squad rotation. Capable of exhausting opposing defenses by covering the entire right flank, the Atletico Madrid attacker earned his World Cup stripes by logging seven goals and eight assists across 53 appearances this season. Nicolas Gonzalez After a heartbreaking, late-hour injury cruelly ruled him out of the Qatar 2022 s
Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Gonzalez are the players creating the biggest doubts for Lionel Scaloni as he builds Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has yet to announce his final decision regarding Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The head coach acknowledged that he plans to wait as long as possible before finalizing the roster, taking into account the physical condition of certain players. In that context, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Gonzalez are the most delicate cases. “As of right now, we still have some lingering doubts and a few fitness issues with specific players that we intend to resolve over the coming days,” Scaloni explained during an interview this week with DSports. According to prestigious Argentine outlet Infobae, there are two cases in particular worrying the coach and his staff. The first is Montiel, who suffered a hamstring tear in his right leg on May 16 during a River Plate match against Rosario Central. While the injury was initially ruled out as severe, it became clear over the following days that the 29-year-old defender would face a considerable recovery period before returning to the field. That puts his World Cup participation in serious jeopardy, with Argentina set to debut on June 16 against Algeria. Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina. Argentina’s problem at right-back What adds even more complexity to Gonzalo Montiel’s situation is his position. He is one of the team’s two primary options at right-back alongside Nahuel Molina. However, the Atletico Madrid defender is also currently injured — although his recovery timeline appears shorter — creating a void in that area of the field and forcing a careful risk assessment. The coach must determine whether it makes sense to bring two players dealing with physical issues who compete for the same position, with the risk that neither could be available to play. There is also another complication: the player who was usually the backup option behind Montiel and Molina, Juan Foyth, has already been ruled out of the World Cup because of a serious Achilles tendon injury. Given that scenario, Scaloni has included several players capable of playing right-back in the preliminary list of 55 names. That includes Hamburger’s Nicolas Capaldo, Palmeiras’ Augusto Giay, and Union Saint Gilloise’s Kevin Mac Allister. The common factor among all of them, however, is their lack of experience with the senior Argentina national team, a detail that hurts their chances and helps explain why the staff is waiting until the last possible moment on Montiel. Nicolas Gonzalez’s situation Nicolas Gonzalez is facing a predicament similar to Gonzalo Montiel’s. The Atletico Madrid wide midfielder suffered a right thigh injury on April 28 and has still not fully recovered despite nearly a month having passed. Gonzalez’s case is especially significant for two reasons. On one hand, his skill set makes him difficult to replace because of the versatility that allows him to play as a left-back, midfielder, winger, and even center forward — a valuable trait in a tournament that features several matches over a short period of time. In addition, despite being a regular member of the Argentina national team for years, Nico missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because of a similar injury, which would make another exclusion from the roster traveling to North America especially painful.
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