The Argentina national team leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 25 points. It holds a five-point advantage over second place. Lionel Scaloni’s squad has shown remarkable consistency throughout the campaign. However, it now face a major challenge. Lionel Messi will miss the upcoming double qualifying round against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor muscle injury. Scaloni may adjust his tactics to keep the team competitive in Inter Miami star’s absence.
The last time Lionel Messi was absent from Argentina’s squad was on September 10, 2024, in a match against Colombia. Messi missed the game due to injury, and Argentina struggled without him, suffering a 2-1 defeat against James Rodriguez’s team. However, Lionel Scaloni’s tactical adjustments in Inter Miami star’s absence offer insight into how Argentina might adapt this time.
On that game, Scaloni made a significant formation change. Argentina’s starting lineup was: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel; Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero; Lisandro Martinez; Rodrigo de Paul; Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez; Nico Gonzalez; Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
What possible lineups could Lionel Scaloni use without Messi?
Although Argentina used that formation the last time Messi was absent, Lionel Scaloni now has other options to consider facing Uruguay and Brazil. Several players are in excellent form and could step in. For example, Giuliano Simeone or Angel Correa could play in the right wing, directly replacing Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and Alexander Callens of Peru during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If Lionel Scaloni opts for Giuliano Simeone or Angel Correa, Argentina’s formation could look like this: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel; Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero; Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez; Guiliano Simeone/Angel Correa, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez .
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Besides, Nicolas Paz has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Serie A. His versatility as a right winger or attacking midfielder makes him a strong candidate to directly replace Messi in the starting lineup. However, Thiago Almada could also get his chance to prove themselves in the starting eleven, offering Scaloni more tactical flexibility.
If Lionel Scaloni opts for a more midfielder/creative option to face Brazil or Uruguay, Nicolas Paz or Thiago Almada could get some minutes. Argentina’s formation could look like this: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel; Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero; Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez; Nicolas Paz/ Thiago Almada; Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez.
Although Thiago Almada or Nicolas Paz can start as attacking midfielders, Scaloni could give them the flexibility to drift to the right wing, allowing more freedom of movement. Meanwhile, Nicolas González is expected to take charge of the left wing. His speed and attacking threat could be a key weapon in the World Cup qualifiers
Lionel Scaloni’s masterplan: How Argentina thrives without relying on Messi
Over the past five years, Lionel Messi has missed eight games for the Argentina national team. While his absence is always a challenge, Argentina has only suffered one defeat in those matches. This suggests the team remains highly competitive without him, with no clear evidence of a significant drop in performance when he is unavailable.
Since Lionel Scaloni became head coach, he has focused on building a well-balanced Argentina squad that does not depend entirely on Messi. Instead, he designed a system that allows Messi to excel without carrying the full burden of the team’s success.
The objective was never to sideline him but to maximize his impact. This approach grants Messi more freedom, enabling him to read the game better and create clearer scoring opportunities.
