Argentina's national team is gearing up for upcoming matches with a renewed sense of purpose. Defender Nicolas Tagliafico has publicly addressed the evolving perception of the Albiceleste since their World Cup victory in 2022, acknowledging that they may be viewed with "a bit more anger" now. As a result, Tagliafico stressed the importance of proving their champion status on the field, suggesting that their actions must reflect the "arrogance" expected of World Cup holders.
Tagliafico's comments come at a time when the team is preparing for a friendly match against Angola on Friday. Coach Lionel Scaloni has made some alterations to the original squad list for the Angola match. Kevin Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, and Emiliano Buendía have been called up to the team. However, Scaloni will be without Enzo Fernández and the Atletico Madrid trio of Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Nahuel Molina.
The updated list of players called up includes goalkeepers Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez; defenders Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Valentín Barco, and Kevin Mac Allister; midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Thiago Almada, Máximo Perrone, Nicolás Paz, Leandro Paredes and Emiliano Buendía; and forwards Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás González, José Manuel López, Gianluca Prestianni and Joaquín Panichelli.
Beyond the immediate friendly, there are talks of a potential match between Argentina and France in March. This possible rematch of the World Cup final would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event for fans worldwide.
Lionel Messi, who recently extended his contract with Inter Miami through at least 2026, is expected to start in the match against Angola. There have been speculations about Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup, with the superstar himself expressing concerns about his fitness and not wanting to be a "burden". However, teammate Cristian Romero has expressed confidence that Messi will "easily" make it to the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina's recent international friendly against Venezuela saw them secure a 1-0 victory, with Giovani Lo Celso scoring the decisive goal. However, the match was played before a relatively small crowd of 15,000 fans.
Meanwhile, young talent Franco Mastantuono recently visited the Argentina national team. Additionally, Inter Miami CF attacker Matteo Silvetti has been called up by Argentina for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Argentina's football team, known as La Albiceleste, has a rich history, boasting legendary players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. They won the World Cup in 1978, 1986, and most recently in 2022. As the reigning World Cup champions, the team carries the weight of expectation and the responsibility to perform at the highest level. Tagliafico's remarks highlight the team's awareness of this dynamic and their determination to live up to their title.
