Scaloni sets Balerdi replacement after the friendly with Iceland
Argentina wrap up their preparation against Iceland and Lionel Scaloni is set to announce after the match who will replace Leonardo Balerdi. Heading into the game, the uncertainty over Lionel Messi continues, and the team arrives with several new options already tested.
Argentina plays its final warm-up friendly before the 2026 World Cup and, beyond the opponent, the focus is on Lionel Scaloni's plan. The coach is expected to define Leonardo Balerdi's replacement after the clash with Iceland, in a decision that keeps internal competition in the squad open.
The backdrop is a Scaloneta that reaches the end of the tour with questions still unanswered. In that setting, Lionel Messi emerges as one of the biggest uncertainties heading into the match, while the coaching staff continues testing variations in order to arrive at the World Cup with some certainty.
The final dress rehearsal before the World Cup debut
According to the information available, Argentina go into this match after the 2-0 against Honduras and as their last preparation game ahead of the World Cup. The friendly against Iceland therefore stands as Scaloni's last major chance to assess names, tweaks and alternatives for what lies ahead.
Coverage of the day also notes that the match is being followed live and with growing anticipation because of how close the tournament is. Seven days before Scaloneta's first match, the national team enters the most delicate stage of its preparation.
What Scaloni is looking at in this decision
The day's clearest development is the decision the coach will make once the friendly is over. According to the published information, Scaloni will announce Balerdi's replacement after the final preparation friendly against Iceland.
That leaves open a logical internal battle in a national team that has been through a spell of testing and evaluation. In that context, the coach continues to shape the squad with the World Cup debut in mind and with the need to close the list as clearly as possible.
- Final friendly before the 2026 World Cup.
- Pending decision on Balerdi's replacement.
- Messi, under scrutiny because of the doubt over his participation.
- A team that arrives with several new options tested by Scaloni.
A tour finale with the squad list in focus
The friendly against Iceland not only serves to fine-tune the footballing side: it also acts as a turning point in the preparation. The national team has already been through a tour full of expectation and now enters the most sensitive phase, where every detail can weigh more than usual.
With the World Cup ever closer, the priority is to resolve the final spots and consolidate the structure. The reference to Balerdi confirms that there is still room for changes in the squad list, and that decision-making remains open until after the final rehearsal.
What comes next for Scaloneta
Once the match with Iceland is over, Scaloni will have the full picture to announce his decision on the pending replacement. From there, the national team will be ready to head into the final stretch toward the 2026 World Cup, with the debut already on the horizon and attention split between the pitch, the squad list and the fitness of its biggest names.
