Overview
- Scaloni called up 33 players on Thursday and used a training session to test 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations and a provisional starting XI that included Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero and Julián Álvarez.
- Argentina will play three friendlies as scheduled: Bolivia on Sept. 30 in Córdoba, Burkina Faso on Oct. 3, and Benín on Oct. 6 at the Monumental, with Lionel Messi confirmed to play only the Oct. 6 farewell match.
- The roster reflects a push for recambio with Europe-based young talents included and only three domestic-league players named, one of whom, Nicolás Otamendi, is expected to appear only in the Messi farewell game.
- Injuries to Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada plus suspensions for Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes have created openings that Scaloni plans to use to evaluate new options for midfield and fullback roles.
- Scaloni said he wants to continue as coach and has a 'predisposición máxima' to meet AFA president Claudio Tapia to discuss a contract renewal but said negotiations remain pending and will be resolved in coming talks.