With Argentina already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni is preparing his squad for the upcoming South American qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, scheduled for June 5 and 10. However, this international window comes just days before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States on June 14, complicating player availability for several teams.
Traditionally, Scaloni has relied on a core group of domestic-based players from River Plate, including Franco Armani, Germán Pezzella, Gonzalo Montiel, and Marcos Acuña. But for this double matchday, changes are expected — and two new names from Argentina’s local league are making headlines.
One of them is Kevin Lomónaco, a 23-year-old center-back currently playing for Independiente. Tall and strong in the air, Lomónaco is on loan from Brazil’s Red Bull Bragantino and has impressed since his return to the Argentine league.
The other standout is Franco Mastantuono, River Plate’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder who has become one of the most exciting young talents in Argentine football.
It is yet to be confirmed if Scaloni decides to call them up, or if these players will have to wait a bit longer for their first opportunity with the senior national team.