Argentina national team players are expected to join the team between late May and early June.

The Argentina national team will play their opening match of the World Cup on June 16 against Algeria but the training camp will begin earlier. Luis Martín, who is part of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff, spoke to Clank_Media about when the players will be arriving to join the team. Here is what he had to say:

“Those who play in Portugal, Germany and France will have a short vacation period because their leagues end earlier. The rest will not.

“The idea is for those from Europe to travel to Argentina on May 25, to do a pre-conditioning before the start of the training camp in the United States, scheduled for June 1st.”

Lionel Messi has spoken about national teams that are arriving in better form than Argentina at the World Cup and coach Lionel Scaloni.

Messi commented on the national teams that are ahead of the Argentina national team and in better form. Speaking in an interview with Pollo Alvarez, here is what Messi had to say:

“Ahead of us, there are other favorites, arriving in better form. France are very good, once more. They have a lot of players at a great level.

“Spain, Brazil, are always a candidate.

“Portugal, have a very competitive national team.”

The 38 year old also spoke about Lionel Scaloni and the day he would leave as coach of the Argentina national team:

“Scaloni’s future? It depends on what he intends, what he wants. Maybe he wants to try new challenges. He’s never been on a team, a day to day. For what I’ve lived, the experience and what I see, he is the best, to stay as long as he wants.

“It’s going to be tough for whoever comes next. Being on the national team after everything that has been achieved in this generation.

“We are a country that demands.”

Nicolás Otamendi has received good news ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA granted the defender amnesty following his red card against Ecuador in Argentina’s final World Cup qualifying match.

The decision means the Argentina national football team center back will now be available for the Albiceleste’s opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas.

Otamendi had originally been expected to miss the match due to suspension after being sent off in September during Argentina’s final qualifier. The Benfica defender brought down Enner Valencia near the edge of the penalty area as the Ecuador striker was through on goal. Referee Wilmar Roldán immediately showed a red card without consulting VAR, marking Otamendi’s first-ever sending off with Argentina.

Because Argentina did not play another official match afterward — with the planned Finalissima in March ultimately canceled — Otamendi was set to serve the suspension in Argentina’s World Cup opener.

However, FIFA accepted a request from the Argentine Football Association and granted the experienced defender amnesty, clearing him to play in the first match of Group J.