Argentina vs Chile Messi uncertain, a youngster will get a chance in the starting XI

Argentina’s Next Chapter: Scaloni’s Bold Move to Trust the Youth Ahead of 2026 World Cup

As Argentina begins its preparations for the next major tournament cycle, coach Lionel Scaloni is once again at the heart of a thoughtful transformation — one that seeks to blend the legacy of World Cup glory with the promise of fresh talent. In a pre-match press conference ahead of Argentina’s game against Chile, Scaloni made it clear that while his team had already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the journey was far from over. In fact, for many young footballers, it was just beginning.

"We’re struggling in some positions, so now is the time to try out some new players," Scaloni said, candidly assessing the current squad status. "Many have come through our youth teams, and they’re having a great time at the moment. When an opportunity comes, you have to take it – and the boys know that very well."

These words signaled more than just a rotational game plan. They marked the start of what could be described as the next chapter in Argentine football — a story where youth development meets real opportunity, where the traditions of La Albiceleste evolve in real time, guided by the steady hand of a World Cup-winning coach.

Argentina's match against Chile — scheduled for early Thursday morning, Bangladesh time — is more than just a fixture in the calendar. It’s a laboratory for experimentation. Scaloni has admitted that the final starting eleven is still not set, which suggests tactical tests and player trials will take center stage.

The biggest headline, however, might not be about who’s missing, but who’s getting a rare chance to shine. The player widely expected to feature is Nico Paz. According to reliable Argentine football media outlets like Diario Olé and TyC Sports, the young midfielder has impressed enough at Italian side Como to earn this opportunity. Paz, a product of Real Madrid’s academy who’s now gaining senior-level minutes, represents the future Scaloni envisions: technically gifted, mature beyond his years, and ready to step into the shoes of national icons.

Scaloni addressed the situation without naming names directly but made it clear: “We have a lot of players missing, especially in midfield. I haven’t finalized the starting XI yet, but a young player who hasn’t had much playing time for the national team will be given a chance. We think this is the right time for him. Although results are always important, that’s not the main thing in today’s match.”

This philosophy marks a shift from the intense pressure of results-first football — a luxury available to a coach who has earned it. Since winning the Copa América in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, Scaloni has not only cemented his reputation but also built the credibility to make bold choices like these. Resting star players, testing youngsters, and playing without fear of criticism are all signs of a coach working with a long-term vision.

One player notably being rested is Alexis Mac Allister, a vital piece of Argentina’s midfield puzzle and fresh off a Premier League title-winning campaign with Liverpool. “We have decided that Alexis Mac Allister will be rested. We do not feel the need to take any risks now, so that he can be fully fit and ready for the upcoming matches,” Scaloni confirmed. This again reinforces the idea that this match against Chile is less about collecting points and more about collecting answers.

Still, the question everyone is asking — will Lionel Messi play?

The Argentine captain missed the March international window due to injury and has seen a growing number of absences in recent months due to age and fitness concerns. While Scaloni was careful not to overstate or understate Messi’s role, he kept the door open. “I have spoken to Leo Messi. It is not yet decided whether he will start the match or not. But he is ready to play. We will make a decision very soon.”

It’s a delicate balance. Messi remains not just a player but a symbol. Any game he plays — or doesn’t — draws attention, speculation, and headlines. Even in the twilight of his international career, his presence alone can change the mood of a match, lift young players, and connect the dots between past success and future dreams.

This idea of transition is central to what Scaloni is doing. The match against Chile might seem minor on paper, especially for a team that has already punched its ticket to the World Cup. But in truth, it’s a major step in team building. Not just testing players — but building systems, figuring out partnerships, and seeing how the younger players handle pressure on the international stage.

Scaloni knows that developing a team for a World Cup is not just about eleven starters. It’s about having 20 or more players who are comfortable, confident, and ready to step in. Injuries, suspensions, and form fluctuations are part of football. The depth of the squad will determine whether Argentina can repeat its World Cup magic in 2026.

In that sense, giving minutes to Nico Paz or other rising stars is not a risk — it’s a necessity. Scaloni is planning ahead, ensuring that when the big tournaments arrive, his team will not be scrambling to fill gaps or rely too heavily on veterans who may no longer be at peak performance.

Furthermore, this approach is consistent with how Scaloni has managed Argentina since day one. He has always prioritized balance: youth and experience, defense and creativity, loyalty and evolution. His backroom staff, including former players like Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala, share this vision, offering continuity and insight from their own playing days.

Argentina’s football identity is changing, not in spirit but in composition. The famous blue and white shirt now carries new names, and if Scaloni’s strategy works, these names will be etched into history in the years to come.

Chile, for their part, are aware that they’re facing a mix of World Cup champions and hungry newcomers. It’s a tricky assignment for any team, especially one trying to rebuild its own golden generation. The likes of Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal, who once led Chile to Copa América glory, are fading from the picture. What remains is a team in transition, not unlike Argentina — only without the same stability at the top.

The contrast between the two sides couldn’t be clearer. One is in evolution with a clear plan and identity under Scaloni. The other is still searching for a new direction.

Thursday’s match will be about more than just 90 minutes of football. It’s about the philosophy of team-building. It’s about how champions evolve and how leadership isn’t just about lifting trophies, but about preparing the team to lift the next one.

As fans around the world watch closely — from Buenos Aires to Dhaka — what they’ll see in this Argentina team is the courage to look ahead without forgetting the past. A coach who trusts his players, a group that respects its leaders, and a system that nurtures growth. The blend of old and new, stars and prospects,veterans and visionaries. And in that blend, the heart of Argentine football continues to beat strong.