Thiago Almada
Atletico Madrid · CONMEBOL Libertadores · Attacker · #16 · Argentina · 24 yrs
Thiago Almada news
Alex Baena joins a select winners’ group next to Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria after crowning the 2026 World Cup
After a 16-year drought, Spain was crowned champion of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Argentina. As a result, Álex Baena joined a select list of players to win three titles, alongside Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. Despite not entering the 2026 World Cup with many chances of being a starter, Álex Baena managed to convince Luis de la Fuente, becoming an undisputed starter in every match. He was essential to Spain‘s collective play, creating space for Marc Cucurella and forming a strong partnership with Mikel Oyarzabal. After winning the anticipated title, he joined a select list of winners alongside Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. After winning the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has joined Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María as the only players to have won a continental competition—either the UEFA European Championship or the Copa América—an Olympic Games gold medal, and the World Cup. Having played a central role in all three titles, he has written his name into soccer history. Álex Baena has established as one of the best wingers of the 2026 World Cup. While he scored just one goal and provided one assist, he was essential to Spain’s collective success. As a creative winger, his role on the pitch is quite similar to that of Ángel Di María. He won the 2024 Olympic gold medal as a starter, as well as the 2024 UEFA Euro, completing a remarkable career that still has plenty of room for growth. Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María have become two of the greatest players in Argentina’s history, something Álex Baena has yet to achieve. Both legends shared the same squad in 2008, when they won the Olympic Games gold medal. In addition, they were also key figures in Argentina’s two Copa América titles and the World Cup, leading a golden generation that dominated for several years. Alex Baena celebrates a goal for Spain. Alex Baena’s next challenge is winning over Atlético Madrid Despite emerging as one of Spain’s best players, Álex Baena did not have a good season at Atlético Madrid. After paying €42 million to Villarreal, he arrived as an undisputed starter for head coach Diego Simeone. However, he rotated frequently with Ademola Lookman and Thiago Almada, finishing with just two goals and three assists in 46 matches. After becoming a starter at the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has the best opportunity to establish at Atlético Madrid. Following the departure of Antoine Griezmann and the uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, the 25-year-old star would have every chance to become a cornerstone of the team. To achieve this, he would need to improve his attacking output, looking to match his greater impact in the creative phase. With Griezmann’s departure still not fully addressed, head coach Diego Simeone could deploy Baena as his new second striker. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and creative contribution, he would enhance the goalscoring output of Alexander Sørloth or Julián Álvarez. However, he must maintain his defensive contribution, something that is essential to succeeding at both Atlético Madrid and Spain.
Video: Messi misses a penalty against Egypt, his second failed spot kick of the 2026 World Cup
Although Argentina entered the match as the clear favorite, they conceded a surprise goal to Egypt in the opening minutes. With a great chance to score from the penalty spot, Lionel Messi missed his shot, squandering the opportunity to tie the game. Argentina were clear favorites against Egypt, arriving in excellent form after a string of consecutive victories. Nevertheless, they have not been very solid defensively, leaving several spaces open, as happened against Cape Verde. Taking advantage of those mistakes, Egypt scored an early goal. However, Scaloni’s team had a great chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Lionel Messi surprisingly missed the spot kick. After conceding the opening goal, Argentina lost much of their control of the match. Nevertheless, they produced a brilliant counterattack down the left flank, relying on their pace. After winning a foul inside the penalty area, the referee awarded a penalty to Lionel Scaloni’s team. Although Messi has been one of the tournament’s top scorers, he struck his effort toward the right side, but it was saved by Mostafa Shobeir Oufa. MESSI'S PENALTY KICK IS SAVED BY SHOBEIR 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oAUkHrLGWO— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 Lionel Messi has already missed two penalties at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first player in the tournament’s history to do so. As a result, the veteran has now accumulated four missed penalties in World Cup history, excluding shootouts, according to Guinness World Records via X. In addition, he is not having his best match, as he has been limited by the opposition’s tight marking. Unlike previous matches, Argentina have not managed to control the tempo of the game. Despite having a crowded midfield, they lack play through the middle. Because of this, they have been limited to playing down the flanks, looking for crosses into the box. With this in mind, the absence of a player like Thiago Almada seems to be noticeable, as they have not been able to control the game because Messi is surrounded by too many players. Lionel Messi’s efficiency from the penalty spot still stands out Lionel Messi has become one of the greatest goalscorers in history. Although he did not usually excel from the penalty spot, he has become one of the leading penalty takers, improving his conversion rate. As one of the greatest players in history, he usually takes penalties for both his club and Argentina, having taken around 150 penalties with a high success rate despite his recent misses. Of the 150 penalties Messi has taken, he has converted 114, giving him a 78% conversion rate. In addition, he usually takes them in high-pressure moments, such as UEFA Champions League finals and even the 2022 World Cup final. Having missed two penalties in a row, fans are already calling for Argentina to appoint a different penalty taker. Nevertheless, the statistics still favor the 39-year-old star.
Why isn’t Thiago Almada starting for Argentina against Egypt at the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina face Egypt in a crucial Round of 16 duel at the 2026 World Cup, where Thiago Almada will start the match from the bench. Argentina face Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium, and manager Lionel Scaloni has made a tactical change, leaving Thiago Almada out of his starting eleven. Scaloni is set to send out four midfielders, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, behind a front two of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. The switch to a 4-4-2 shape means there’s no room for Almada, who had been operating as part of a front three in a 4-3-3 through Argentina’s first two matches of the tournament and against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 clash. The decision is purely tactical rather than a reflection of any single poor performance, coming down to the shape Scaloni wants on the pitch against Egypt rather than any specific issue with Almada himself. 𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 🇦🇷🏆🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/NM2Y32Tifg— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 7, 2026 Scaloni makes more changes to face Egypt Almada’s absence isn’t the only one Argentina’s lineup will feature compared to their previous matches. Alongside the Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder, Scaloni also decided to leave Lautaro Martinez and Facundo Medina on the bench. Martinez had started in all four of Argentina’s matches so far, but Scaloni opted to use Julian Alvarez from the opening whistle instead, in a purely tactical decision. The Inter Milan forward is in peak physical condition, carrying no injury of any kind, and will be available among the substitutes, ready to come on if the flow of the match calls for it in the second half. As for Medina, the left-back finished the match against Cape Verde exhausted, which is why the coach opted to use Nicolas Tagliafico on the left side from the start of the match instead.
What is Argentina’s current FIFA ranking ahead of its 2026 World Cup match vs Egypt?
Argentina secured their place in the Round of 16, suffering against Cape Verde but securing a huge victory in the latest minutes. Despite that victory, they have dropped positions in the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of facing Egypt. Argentina have shown to be a top contender in the 2026 World Cup. Not only have they shone offensively, but they have also learned to adapt to their opponents, something that has been key to their comeback victories. Against Cape Verde, they struggled considerably, but managed to secure a victory that earned them a place in the Round of 16. Despite that victory, they have dropped positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking ahead of facing Egypt. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Argentina are ranked as 2nd position, with 1913.71 points. While they have kept a solid consistency, they lost one position compared to their start of the tournament. However, they have managed to remain in the first sports for a long time, having the chance to repeat it, but needing to reach the final and win the tournament again. Despite having lost one spot, Lionel Scaloni’s team remains ahead of Egypt in the rankings. Hossam Hassan’s team are ranked 25th with 1,597.04 points. However, they have gained five places, demonstrating their excellent form during the tournament. While they may not look to dominate possession, they could be dangerous on the counterattack, looking to exploit Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities when pressing high. After struggling in the previous match, Lionel Scaloni could make changes to the defensive structure, looking to deal with Egypt’s counterattacks. Nevertheless, Argentina’s challenge will be to break down Egypt’s strong defense by applying a high press led by Nicolás Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina. Although Lionel Messi has been shining in recent matches, Julián Álvarez also needs to produce his best version and become a goalscorer once again. Players of Argentina take drinks at the hydration break Argentina’s defense faces major test against Egypt in Round of 16 Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Argentina have been one of the most impressive attacking teams. Led by Lionel Messi, they consistently find spaces to attack despite the goalscoring drought of Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Nevertheless, they struggled considerably in defense against Cape Verde, something they could suffer from again against Egypt, making it one of their biggest challenges. After their poor man-marking, Argentina conceded two goals against Cape Verde. Facing Egypt and their dangerous counterattack, they need to improve their zonal marking. In addition, Lionel Scaloni is reportedly set to include Leandro Paredes in place of Thiago Almada to strengthen the team’s defensive structure and prevent quick counterattacks. Without defensive solidity, Messi’s goals and those of the rest of the team may not be enough.
Lionel Scaloni reportedly weighing one change in each line of Lionel Messi’s Argentina lineup for Egypt clash
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.
Is Lionel Messi playing? Argentina vs Cape Verde confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
Argentina and Cape Verde face off in a crucial Round of 32 duel at the 2026 World Cup, where both sides are looking to secure a place among the tournament's best 16 teams. One of the most lopsided matchups on paper in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 takes place at Miami Stadium, where reigning champions Argentina face a Cape Verde side making history as the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. Argentina were dominant throughout the group stage, winning all three of their matches against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, conceding just a single goal and securing first place with a perfect record. For this crucial game, Lionel Messi will start, returning to the lineup after being rested for the final group game against Jordan. The Argentine captain has been in red-hot form, already leading the tournament, alongside Kylian Mbappe, with six goals. Cape Verde, meanwhile, punched their ticket to the knockouts as runners-up in Group H, opening with a goalless draw against Spain, following it with a thrilling 2-2 comeback draw versus Uruguay, and closing with another shutout against Saudi Arabia. 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 will be a special day 🇦🇷🏆🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/XH9YPeyQsF— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 3, 2026 Argentina confirmed lineup Lionel Scaloni will go back to his strongest available group now that the group stage is behind him, with Messi reinserted into the attack alongside Lautaro Martinez up top. Argentina’s projected starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez. Cape Verde projected lineup Bubista will stick with the disciplined setup that has produced two clean sheets so far, built around a well-organized backline shielded by a holding midfielder, with goalkeeper Vozinha as their big star. Cape Verde’s projected starting XI: Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral; Kevin Lenini; Ryan Mendes, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jovane Cabral; Nuno Da Costa.
Report: Cristian Romero returns, Julian Alvarez set to lose spot alongside Lionel Messi in Argentina’s projected lineup vs Cape Verde
Argentina's preparations for the clash against Cape Verde are underway, with reports indicating that Cristian Romero is set to return to the starting lineup while Julisn Alvarez is expected to lose his spot alongside Lionel Messi in the attacking line. Argentina has begun preparations for its Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, with several lineup decisions still to be made. Alongside Lionel Messi‘s return to the starting eleven, reports indicate that Cristian Romero is back in the fold while Julian Alvarez is set to drop out of the attacking line. With first place in Group J already secured, head coach Lionel Scaloni heavily rotated his squad for the final group game against Jordan. The move allowed fringe players to make their World Cup debuts, gave key starters some rest, and provided an opportunity to recover some important pieces ahead of the knockout rounds. After Wednesday’s training session, before the squad departed for Miami, ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig reported that Cristian Romero has been working with the first-choice lineup. The defender was forced off in the second group game against Austria with knee discomfort and sat out the match against Jordan entirely. Now back to full fitness, Romero has rejoined his teammates in training without issue. Barring any late setbacks, Nicolas Otamendi is expected to make way for the Tottenham Hotspur center back to slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez. Rodrigo De Paul #7, Cristian Romero #13 and Nicolas Otamendi #19 of Argentina applaud fans. Lautaro Martinez wins the race over Julian Alvarez Another key takeaway from training is that Julian Alvarez will not be starting alongside Lionel Messi. Despite a prolific 2025-26 club season, the Atletico Madrid forward will begin on the bench, with Lautaro Martinez, who has started all three group games, retaining his spot in the lineup. Alvarez arrived at the World Cup managing an ankle sprain suffered during Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal, and he struggled to hit top form as a substitute against Algeria and Austria. When given the chance to start alongside Martinez against Jordan, he failed to make a convincing case for himself, another factor working against him heading into the knockout stage. Argentina’s projected lineup against Cape Verde The one constant between the posts is Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, who will face Cape Verde without the protective splint he has been wearing throughout the tournament due to a fractured finger. According to reports, the lineup Scaloni used in Wednesday’s session mirrors the one fielded against Austria. The back line is expected to feature Nahuel Molina at right back ahead of Gonzalo Montiel, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez as the central defensive pairing. On the left, Facundo Medina is set to hold his place after a series of strong performances, keeping Nicolas Tagliafico—who lost his starting spot earlier in the tournament to injury—on the bench. The midfield picks itself, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez forming the trio Scaloni has consistently leaned on. The one variable is Thiago Almada, who is also expected to feature from the left side of midfield, as he has done throughout the group stage. #SelecciónMayor ¡Nos vemos en Miami! 😎 pic.twitter.com/oQMsLtKcTY— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 1, 2026 Up front, Lionel Messi leads the line in sensational form, having scored six goals across Argentina’s three group stage matches. The captain will be partnered by Lautaro Martinez, and while Alvarez’s high-pressing style has its merits, against a Cape Verde side likely to sit in a deep defensive block, Martinez’s sharpness and movement inside the box makes him the more effective option for this matchup.
Lionel Messi gives Argentina 2-0 win over Austria with World Cup record-breaking goals
Argentina managed to defeat Austria in a closely contested match. Thanks to Lionel Messi's record-breaking two goals, they secured a 2-0 victory, earning a spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Even though the match was quite balanced for both sides, Argentina managed to defeat Austria 2-0 to become the leaders of Group J of the 2026 World Cup. In the middle of a match that seemed quite closed, Lionel Messi shined with an important brace, which led him to break the all-time scoring record in World Cup history. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team struggled greatly to find balance, which would have been impossible without the 38-year-old star. Despite the defeat, Austria managed to establish as a highly competitive team. Under Ralf Rangnick, they were able to apply constant pressure on Argentina. As a result, they controlled large portions of the match, forcing their opponent to sit deep in their own area. However, they had a disastrous night offensively, as they finished with only one shot on target throughout the entire match, completely limiting their chances of securing a victory. Unlike the match against Algeria, Lionel Messi was more tightly marked than usual. Despite this, he managed to shine by distributing play. Although he missed a penalty, he recovered mentally and scored the opening goal of the match. After receiving the ball in midfield, Messi carried it forward, finding Thiago Almada on the wing and passing the ball to him. He returned the ball to the 38-year-old star, who finished first time. Argentina also failed to dominate Austria in the second half. However, they shined on the counterattack. After a through ball from Leandro Paredes, Messi received the ball while running into space and then played a pass to Julián Álvarez, who missed a crucial one-on-one chance. However, Paredes collected the rebound and passed it to the 38-year-old star, who finished to score his brace and reach 18 goals in the tournament, becoming the all-time leading scorer.
Lionel Messi breaks Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record against Austria
After a great collective play, Argentina star Lionel Messi opened the score against Austria and surpassed Miroslav Klose as the all-time World Cup top goalscorer. Lionel Messi found the back of the net on Monday during a Group L clash against Austria, officially becoming the all-time leading scorer in 2026 World Cup history by shattering the long-standing record held by German legend Miroslav Klose. After uncharacteristically missing a penalty kick in the eighth minute, Messi redeemed himself with a clinical finish in the 38th minute of play. The historic sequence began with a brilliant collective buildup that allowed Thiago Almada to whip a precise cross into the penalty box, where Enzo Fernández dummy-passed the ball through his legs to set up a first-time strike for the arriving captain. With that landmark goal, Messi has now accumulated 17 career goals on soccer’s biggest international stage to claim sole possession of the tournament’s all-time scoring crown. The legendary forward surpasses Klose, who previously claimed the historic record back in 2014 by reaching a career total of 16 goals. The GOAT stands alone.MESSI BECOMES THE ALL-TIME LEADING GOALSCORER IN MEN’S FIFA WORLD CUP HISTORY 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/aWY9thIuUG— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2026 *Developing story…
Argentina 3-0 Algeria: World Cup 2026 – live
⚽️ Kick-off time: 8pm local/11am AEST/2am BST/9pm EDT⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail JonathanWhat about Algeria? Even Maher Mezahi isn’t sure what to expect.Algeria are one of this World Cup’s great unknowns. On paper, this team has an impressive recent record: a friendly victory over the Netherlands made it 21 wins, four draws and three defeats from 28 matches under Vladimir Petkovic, with 67 goals scored. The problem is that it has been achieved against generally poor-quality opposition. Algeria’s qualifying campaign was a breeze, with Guinea and Mozambique – both considered Pot C sides on the continent – being their sternest tests.We can be pretty sure Petkovic will lean on his players’ technical quality, play attractive football, but leave gaps in behind the defence. What we don’t know is which players will be called upon for half the starting positions.The holders arrive at the World Cup with a squad that knows each other almost by heart but perhaps not with its players in peak physical condition – several had injury set-backs at the end of a very demanding season with their clubs. If everyone is fit, the coach will field many of the same players who were crowned champions in Qatar, with the exception of Ángel Di María, who no longer plays for the national team.Lionel Scaloni’s plan is to keep the 4-3-3 formation, with a solid defence featuring two centre-backs and two attacking full-backs, plus dynamic midfielders with excellent passing. Lionel Messi leads the charge once more, supported by the formidable Julián Alvarez and Thiago Almada, who could be the breakout star. Almost two thirds of the 2022 squad remains, but it now also includes some promising young players such as Nico Paz, who has been in excellent form at Como. They will also have established stars like Lautaro Martínez, who aims to be in top condition for this World Cup: something he couldn’t achieve in Qatar. Continue reading...
Why Angel Di Maria is missing the 2026 World Cup for Argentina
Angel Di Maria managed to be one of the key players in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, he has not been included by head coach Lionel Scaloni in Argentina’s roster for the 2026 edition, making him a notable absence. Argentina emerge as top contenders ahead the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are not only the recent winners, but they have also shined in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Looking for another title, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to trust on Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi as main assets. Nonetheless, Angel Di Maria is a major absence in the Albiceleste roster for the tournament, leaving a huge offensive gap. Ángel Di María is the major absence from Argentina’s roster, as he decided to retire from international soccer on July 14, 2024, after winning the Copa América. However, he continues to play professionally for Club Atlético Rosario Central in the Argentine league. Although head coach Lionel Scaloni had kept him as a central figure in his team, the veteran has decided to make way for younger players. “He has given a lot to the Argentina national team and I think that stage is over. We have already turned in another direction and there are young players who are pushing hard and want to be in this place,” Lionel Scaloni made clear, via Cadena3 Argentina. In addition, he compared him to Messi in one clear aspect: “It is impossible to fill Di María’s place. He and Messi are irreplaceable, do not look for someone who does the same because there is nobody.” Angel Di María’s legacy ranks among Argentina’s greatest ever Ángel Di María emerged as one of the most criticized players in Argentina. After losing the 2014 World Cup final, he was one of the players whose place was questioned by many due to his supposed lack of impact. However, he managed to silence all the criticism, becoming a key figure in La Albiceleste’s best recent era. Because of this, he went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the national team. Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina celebrate. Throughout his 145 appearances, Di María managed to score 31 goals, ranking eighth among the national team’s all-time leading scorers. In addition, he scored the goal that gave Argentina the 2021 Copa América, defeating Neymar Jr.’s Brazil. Far from ending there, his impact continued as he scored a goal in the 2022 Finalissima against Italy and a key goal in the 2022 World Cup final, showing up in the decisive moments. Who has taken Di Maria spot in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup roster? Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, head coach Lionel Scaloni has made it clear that Ángel Di María has no replacement, as he is a historic player. However, Thiago Almada has been the one to take his place in Argentina. At 25 years old, he has already secured a key role in the rotation, shining on the left side of midfield. In addition, Nico González emerges as the backup option, being one of the most disruptive players in the team.
World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Algeria lineups – Inter’s Lautaro leads line for star-studded Albiceleste
Argentina vs Algeria features a wealth of Serie A connections, headlined by Inter captain Lautaro Martínez, who starts alongside Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada in a formidable attacking trio for the ...
Why Paulo Dybala is missing the 2026 World Cup for Argentina
Paulo Dybala managed to be one of the protagonists of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, he has not been included by head coach Lionel Scaloni in Argentina’s roster for the 2026 edition, making him a notable absence. After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina arrive as one of the favorites to win the 2026 edition. To achieve that, they make their debut in the competition today against Algeria. Despite their veteran status, Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi are part of the roster that will play in this tournament. However, Paulo Dybala emerges as La Albiceleste’s major absence, as he remains a starter for AS Roma and does not have any injuries. Paulo Dybala has been left out of Argentina’s roster for the 2026 World Cup due to tactical decisions. Despite still playing for AS Roma, he is already 32 years old and never consolidated himself as an undisputed starter under Lionel Scaloni. Because of this, he has decided to bet on different players, as Lionel Messi emerges as the starter in that position and they are looking for promising players as his replacement. “Paulo is a great player, it goes without saying… There are kids who make their debut and show important things. In our case, there are kids who have consolidated themselves in that area of the field and deserve an opportunity… There is no doubt about the quality he has, we care about him and he is a fantastic guy, but we look at the present and what others can offer us looking toward the future,” Scaloni revealed, via TyC Sports. Along with the decision to bet on promising players, Dybala is coming off a season marked by injuries. After suffering two muscle injuries and two knee injuries, he missed 19 matches with AS Roma. Because of this, he played only 27 matches, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. Despite this, he appears close to renewing his contract, with this being a key step in fighting for his return to Argentina by gaining more playing time. Paulo Dybala of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup winning trophy. Thiago Almada and Nico Paz endanger Dybala’s Argentina future Seeking a generational transition, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to bet on very young players for the 2026 World Cup. Although Argentina still have some veterans in the squad, they have incorporated Thiago Almada and Nico Paz as key parts of their sporting project. Because of this, Paulo Dybala’s return to La Albiceleste could become more complicated than expected. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Almada and Paz could gain significant prominence. As both are creative players with plenty of pace, they could be the key to Lionel Messi’s future retirement. If they manage to shine over the coming years, Dybala may not return to La Albiceleste, as he would already be 35 years old by the 2028 Copa América.
Lionel Messi breaks 69-year-old Argentina scoring record in pre-World Cup 2026 friendly vs Iceland
Messi's appearance, his sharpness on the ball, and a remarkable achievement reached during the match ensured that the evening in Alabama became far more significant than a routine pre-tournament friendly. Lionel Messi gave Argentina exactly what it wanted to see ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The captain returned from a recent fitness concern, found the net shortly after coming off the bench, and helped the defending champion secure a comfortable victory over Iceland in its final warm-up match before the tournament. The result itself was encouraging, but there was an even bigger storyline unfolding beneath the surface. Messi’s appearance, his sharpness on the ball, and a remarkable achievement reached during the match ensured that the evening in Alabama became far more significant than a routine pre-tournament friendly. Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in Auburn, Alabama, with goals from Valentín Barco, Lionel Messi, and Thiago Almada. The world champion controlled large stretches of the match and ended its preparation schedule on a positive note. Lionel Scaloni opted to manage the workload of several key players. Messi, along with Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, started the match on the bench as Argentina continued its cautious approach ahead of the competition. Iceland threatened early when Mikael Ellertsson missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring. Argentina quickly took control afterward, and Barco broke the deadlock when a loose ball fell kindly for him on the edge of the area. Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland The South American side remained patient throughout the first half. Iceland defended with discipline, but Argentina continued to create opportunities and gradually increased the pressure. Messi returns and changes the game The biggest roar of the night arrived when Messi stepped onto the pitch during the closing stages. After concerns surrounding muscle fatigue suffered while playing for Inter Miami, supporters were eager to see whether the captain was fully ready for another World Cup campaign. The answer arrived almost immediately. Within moments of entering the match, Messi played a superb pass that led to Lautaro Martínez being fouled inside the penalty area. The 38-year-old superstar stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot. The goal extended Argentina’s advantage and removed any lingering doubts about his readiness for the tournament. Con la primera pelota de Messi en el juego… ¡PENAL PARA ARGENTINA! ⚽❗ Lo cobra Messi, Argentina aumenta la ventaja 2-0 ante Islandia en el amistoso. pic.twitter.com/HztiSby31x— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) June 10, 2026 His influence did not stop there. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner later helped create Argentina’s third goal, combining with Rodrigo De Paul before Thiago Almada finished the move to complete a convincing victory. The historic record revealed While the goal helped secure the result, it also carried historic significance. Messi’s strike was his 117th goal in an Argentina shirt and his 199th international appearance. More importantly, it made him the oldest goalscorer in Argentina national team history, breaking a record that had stood for 69 years. The previous mark belonged to Angel Labruna, who scored for Argentina against Brazil in 1957 at the age of 38 years and nine months. Messi surpassed that achievement at 38 years, 11 months, and 18 days old, adding yet another milestone to an extraordinary international career. The record further highlights the longevity that has defined Messi’s career. Nearly two decades after making his senior debut, he continues to deliver decisive moments for his country on football’s biggest stages.
Lionel Messi leads Argentina to a 3-0 win vs Iceland in last friendly before 2026 World Cup
Argentina comfortably defeated Iceland 3-0 tonight with goals from Valentín Barco, Lionel Messi, and Thiago Almada in their final international friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Argentina did not disappoint in their final tune-up match, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Iceland thanks to strikes from Valentin Barco, Lionel Messi, and Thiago Almada. The win provides a massive confidence boost for the Albiceleste just before they begin their highly anticipated World Cup title defense in North America. After surviving a massive scare from Iceland in the opening minutes of the match, Argentina found their breakthrough in the 8th minute. Valentin Barco unleashed a spectacular, clinical strike from outside the box to open the scoring and set the tone at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Moving into the second half, manager Lionel Scaloni made a flurry of tactical substitutions to give nearly his entire bench some valuable playing time. The changes paid immediate dividends, as Messi doubled the lead just one minute after stepping onto the pitch. After the referee pointed to the spot for a foul on Lautaro Martínez, the captain confidently stepped up and converted the penalty kick. With Argentina firmly in control and playing their best soccer of the night, the third and final goal arrived courtesy of a beautiful team sequence. Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Thiago Almada combined flawlessly in the final third, allowing the Atlético Madrid midfielder to slot the ball home and seal a comprehensive victory.
Video: Lionel Messi scores penalty for Argentina vs Iceland in final friendly before 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi jumped on the field, and in just three minutes, scored from the penalty spot against Iceland to extend Argentina's lead in their last friendly prior to the World Cup. Lionel Messi started the match against Iceland off the bench as part of a careful strategy by head coach Lionel Scaloni to manage his workload and avoid any potential injury setbacks ahead of the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. However, it took the superstar just minutes after stepping onto the pitch to make his mark, extending Argentina‘s lead from the penalty spot. Entering the match in the second half immediately following the cooling break in the 70th minute, Messi quickly asserted himself by controlling possession in midfield and slipping a clinical through ball to Lautaro Martinez. Finding himself one-on-one with Elias Olafsson, the striker saw his initial effort nearing the post but managed to draw a penalty after being brought down by the rushing goalkeeper. On just his fourth touch of the match, Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although Olafsson guessed the correct side, the Inter Miami star slotted a precise finish into the top right corner just out of the keeper’s reach. With the conversion, the forward doubled Argentina’s advantage just two minutes after his introduction. Con la primera pelota de Messi en el juego… ¡PENAL PARA ARGENTINA! ⚽❗ Lo cobra Messi, Argentina aumenta la ventaja 2-0 ante Islandia en el amistoso. pic.twitter.com/HztiSby31x— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) June 10, 2026 With the strike, Messi inflated his staggering international tallies to 117 goals and 61 assists in 198 caps, while simultaneously reaching 911 all-time career goals. His impact didn’t stop there, either; the captain orchestrated Argentina’s third and final goal of the evening, dropping a perfectly weighted ball into the box to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared it for Thiago Almada to tap home and wrap up the 3-0 victory just one week before their World Cup debut. Messi breaks 69-year-old record with Argentina Messi has already claimed countless records throughout his legendary career for both club and country, and he stands a chance to shatter even more during the 2026 World Cup. Yet, even before the tournament officially kicks off, the talismanic forward has already rewritten the history books by eclipsing an international milestone that had stood for nearly seven decades. By finding the back of the net against Iceland, Lionel Messi became the oldest player ever to score a goal for the Argentina national team. The legendary playmaker now claims sole possession of the record at 38 years, 11 months, and 14 days old. The historic benchmark was originally established by iconic striker Angel Labruna back on July 7, 1957, and for the last 69 years, no one had been able to dethrone him until now. The legendary River Plate forward had set the record during a 2-1 friendly victory over bitter rivals Brazil, scoring at the age of 38 years, 9 months, and 8 days old.
Is Lionel Messi playing today? Projected lineups for Argentina vs Iceland final pre-World Cup friendly
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.