Overview
- The Argentina coach said World Cup call-ups will be decided by performance and fitness rather than the club or league where players compete.
- Scaloni confirmed he met Messi in Funes over the holidays, stressed they did not discuss the World Cup, and urged against pressuring the captain.
- The staff is conducting individual consultations with players as final evaluations will focus on form in the coming months.
- Planning for 2026 includes a preference to base the team in one location, with Kansas or Dallas under consideration, and a Finalissima vs Spain on March 27.
- Media reports highlight club-form concerns for candidates, with Thiago Almada deemed transferable at Atlético and linked to Palmeiras, Julián Álvarez on a scoring drought, and Franco Mastantuono seeing very limited minutes at Real Madrid.