Scaloni's World Cup training XI: Messi included as Argentina tests unorthodox full‑back options

Who, what, when and why it matters: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni appears to have given a strong hint about his starting plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria when he organised a training drill that grouped 10 outfield players — including Lionel Messi — separately from the goalkeepers. The session, reported on June 13, comes three days before the match and matters because several fitness worries have forced Scaloni into unorthodox selection decisions, particularly at full‑back.

Scaloni's training clues: who featured in the 10‑man group

According to ESPN coverage cited by World Soccer Talk, the group of outfield players in that part of the session consisted of: Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez. While the drill was not described as a full match simulation, the combination of those ten names can easily be arranged into a starting XI and therefore provides a strong indication of the personnel Scaloni is considering for the Algeria game.

Full‑back dilemma and positional improvisation

The clearest tactical curiosity from the training grouping is Scaloni’s treatment of the full‑back roles. With right‑sided options Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina only recently returning from muscle problems, the coach appears to have trialled Giuliano Simeone on the right. Simeone is primarily deployed as a wide midfielder or winger for Atletico Madrid, but the training move suggests Scaloni believes his attributes could work in a more defensive flank role if required. On the left, with Nicolas Tagliafico ruled out for the opener because of a soleus injury, the session indicated Lisandro Martínez could be used out wide — the Manchester United centre‑back has the mobility and ball skills to be considered for that role in an emergency.

Those choices reflect a pragmatic, short‑term approach driven by fitness limitations rather than a permanent positional switch. The training sequences were part of Scaloni’s assessment process as he evaluates whether to include either player in the starting XI against Algeria.

Goalkeeper situation and squad recoveries

Argentina’s goalkeeper situation has also drawn attention. TyC Sports insider Gaston Edul reported that Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, who has been managing a fractured finger since the Europa League final, is increasing his workload and 'will start the first match'. Edul also listed a number of players who have rejoined group training: 'Julian, Paredes, Cuti Romero, Nico Paz, Nico Gonzalez, Molina and Montiel are all training with the group.' Tagliafico remains the only player reported to be training separately due to the soleus issue.

Why it matters

Argentina arrive at the World Cup as champions, and early decisions about personnel and how Scaloni handles short‑term injuries could set the tone for their group campaign. Fielding non‑traditional full‑backs or moving central defenders into wide roles can alter the balance of the team defensively and in build‑up play; those are significant considerations in an opening match where coaches often prefer to minimise risk and secure a positive result.

• Training drill grouped 10 outfield players separately from goalkeepers, pointing to a possible starting XI.
• Players in the outfield group: Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
• Giuliano Simeone was trialled on the right flank; Lisandro Martínez was used on the left — both outside their usual club positions.
• TyC Sports reported several injured players (Julian, Paredes, Cuti Romero, Nico Paz, Nico Gonzalez, Molina and Montiel) have rejoined group training.
• Emiliano Martínez is reportedly increasing his workload and is set to start the opener; Tagliafico is still training separately with a soleus injury.

What it means and next steps

Taken together, the training session provides a clear signal that Lionel Messi is likely to be included in Argentina’s starting plans for the opener against Algeria, but it does not constitute an official team sheet. Scaloni’s use of unconventional full‑back options underscores the selection compromises forced by recent fitness issues. Final confirmation of the XI will come only with the official team announcement before kick‑off; in the meantime, monitoring Tagliafico’s recovery and the fitness of Montiel and Molina will be key for understanding whether those improvised flank solutions are needed.