Argentina relaxed with a barbecue and a visit from La Mona Jiménez before the debut

The Argentina national team took a breather in the final stretch toward its debut at the 2026 World Cup: the squad led by Lionel Scaloni shared a barbecue and received a visit from Carlos “La Mona” Jiménez, one of the country’s most popular artists. In the middle of preparations for Tuesday’s opener against Argelia, the Scaloneta chose to slow things down and spend a different kind of day.

That gesture comes in a packed week for the Albiceleste, which is already buzzing ahead of its World Cup debut as the defending champions. In that context, the idea was to clear their heads before turning back to the strictly football side of things, with a squad that, judging by the circumstances of the last few hours, managed to overcome the obstacles that came up in the final phase of its buildup.

A moment of relaxation in the middle of the World Cup buildup

The scene had distinctly Argentine touches and ended up creating a laid-back atmosphere amid the anticipation for the debut. There was no football on the pitch, but there was a moment of togetherness that fits with this group’s habit of alternating work with a relaxed environment whenever the schedule allows it.

The standout was the presence of La Mona Jiménez, who joined the squad on a day that included traditional food and a relaxed mood. In a preparation as short as it is demanding, that kind of gathering usually serves as a necessary pause before returning to the competitive routine.

Among the names around this buildup is also Lionel Messi, in a squad that continues to draw attention with every move. The available information adds no further football details about the activity, but it does make clear that the Argentine delegation wanted a different kind of moment before the opener.

Scaloni and the squad, already focused on Argelia

With the debut set for Tuesday against Argelia, Scaloni’s focus now turns to finishing preparations without any setbacks. The coach appears to have navigated the obstacles that emerged in the final stretch, something key to arriving at the tournament’s first match with as much calm as possible.

At this stage, the Argentine camp is also showing other signs of normality and order. The team is moving forward with the goal of sticking to its work plan, while anticipation continues to build around big names such as Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, pillars of the cycle that leads into this World Cup.

• Argentina debut: Tuesday vs. Argelia
• Context: the national team arrives as defending champion
• Previous activity: barbecue and visit from Carlos “La Mona” Jiménez

What’s next for the Scaloneta

The next stop is immediate: the World Cup opener against Argelia. With the squad already in competition mode, the idea is to leave behind the relaxation of the day off and focus on the start of the road toward the ultimate goal.

At a World Cup, those small moments of breathing space can matter just as much as a training session. Argentina made the most of them, and now it’s time to switch gears and take the field for the debut.