TThe Argentina national team has already decided on its squad for friendlies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, as always, in the final stages before a major event, the list is left with a strong decision by coach Lionel Scaloni.
One of the main novelties is the absence of Franco Mastantuono, who has been attracting attention as one of the young prospects, and the addition of Gianluca Prestiani, who has been in the media for his recent clash with Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius Junior tells referee and Jos Mourinho that Prestiani racially insulted him
Mastantuono will be absent
Mastantuono’s non-call-up came as a surprise to Argentine football. Considered one of the most promising talents in the country, the youngster appeared to have at least a chance of making the list as a replacement.
However, Scaloni has chosen not to include him in this quota, which could be interpreted as a strategic decision not to rush the process, or as a sign that he is not yet in final consideration for the World Cup.
Prestiani, awards and opportunities
In contrast, Prestiani’s presence appears to be one of the manager’s biggest bets. The young winger not only showed a high level for the club, but also received media attention and increased his profile after the controversy with Vinicius Junior.
Far from affecting his image, this episode seems to have coincided with his call-up to the national team, where he will have the opportunity to show himself in maximum demand.
champion based list
Beyond these decisions, the team maintains the core of the squad that has taken Argentina to the top in recent years. Experienced players and group leaders remain the mainstay of the team.
These friendlies will be crucial for the coaching staff to work out details and clear any doubts ahead of the tournament.
Scaloni will seek a balance between experience and renewal, evaluating players who can provide solutions in different scenarios. In this context, decisions such as Mastanduono’s absence and Prestiani’s participation reflect that internal competition remains.
With the World Cup just around the corner, every call-up sends a message. And now the Argentine coach has made it clear that no one is guaranteed to play, and that their performance on and off the field will be decisive.
