<p>When <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/}">Argentina</a> </strong>takes the field in Buenos Aires on Thursday, the atmosphere will be unlike any other. The reigning world champions have already secured their place at the <strong>2026 World Cup</strong> in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Their opponents, <strong>Venezuela</strong>, still have everything to fight for — a potential spot in the inter-confederation playoffs. Yet beyond the stakes for Venezuela, all eyes will be on&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a></strong>, who is preparing for what could be his final appearance on Argentine soil in a competitive fixture. </p>



<p>But while fans prepare to celebrate their captain, an unexpected subplot has emerged:&nbsp;<strong>ten Argentina players are just one yellow card away from suspension</strong>&nbsp;and could miss the high-profile clash with <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ecuador/">Ecuador</a> </strong>that follows. Messi, now 38, has not officially confirmed if he will play at the next World Cup. </p>



<p>His contract with <strong>Inter Miami </strong>runs through 2025, with talks reportedly underway over a possible extension. But what is certain is that this match holds extraordinary meaning for the man who delivered Argentina their long-awaited third star.</p>



<p><em>“It’s going to be a very special game for me because it’s the last one in the qualifying round. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more games after that,”</em>&nbsp;Messi told&nbsp;<em>Apple TV</em>&nbsp;following Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal win over Orlando City on August 27. For Argentine fans, this sentiment makes Thursday’s match feel like both a celebration and a farewell — even if Messi has not yet closed the door on his World Cup future.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250904_WST_588496_Lionel-Messi-Argentina-1200x675_face82ce.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Lionel Messi Argentina" class="wp-image-587926" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Ten players on thin ice</h2>



<p>While Messi takes center stage, coach <strong>Lionel Scaloni</strong> faces a delicate challenge.&nbsp;<strong>Ten key members of the squad are one booking away from suspension</strong>, meaning they risk missing Tuesday’s <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup-qualifiers/">qualifier</a></strong> against Ecuador.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/"></div>


<p>Among them is Messi’s close friend and&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> teammate <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rodrigo-de-paul/">Rodrigo De Paul</a></strong>, a vital figure in Argentina’s midfield engine room. He is joined by fellow midfielders&nbsp;<strong>Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes</strong>, each carrying a yellow card.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250904_WST_588496_Julian-Alvarez-Argentina-1-1200x675_e5652898.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Julian Alvarez of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team&apos;s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina." class="wp-image-562044" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>The danger extends across the pitch. In defense,&nbsp;<strong>Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel</strong>&nbsp;are both walking a disciplinary tightrope. And up front, Argentina’s attacking powerhouses&nbsp;<strong>Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez</strong>&nbsp;are also at risk. This means that almost half of Argentina’s starting-quality options could be unavailable for the trip to Quito, where Ecuador’s altitude already poses a difficult challenge.</p>

Trouble for Argentina? From Lionel Messi’s ally Rodrigo De Paul to Julian Alvarez: 10 Argentina stars risk missing key Ecuador match

Trouble for Argentina? From Lionel Messi’s ally Rodrigo De Paul to Julian Alvarez: 10 Argentina stars risk missing key Ecuador match - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<p>The debate over who is the best soccer player in history has always sparked heated discussions. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/"><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong></a>’s recent self-proclamation as the best in history has drawn responses from various figures in the soccer world, including players and coaches. Now, <strong>a teammate of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> in the Argentina national team has weighed in, dismissing Ronaldo’s claim</strong>.</p>



<p>In a recent interview with Spanish TV channel <em>La Sexta</em>, Ronaldo asserted, “<em><strong>The best in history is me</strong></em>,” citing his goal-scoring record and self-described completeness as a player. However, <strong>for Argentina midfielder <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/giovani-lo-celso/">Giovani Lo Celso</a>, Ronaldo’s claim doesn’t hold up</strong>.</p>



<p>When asked about Ronaldo’s statement in an interview with Argentine outlet <em>Infobae</em>, Lo Celso responded, “<em><strong>No, I didn’t see it</strong></em>.” He was then asked for his opinion, to which he replied: “<strong><em>The answer is clear, no need to clarify it. The best in the world is Leo </em>(Messi)</strong>.”</p>



<p>Despite being sidelined due to injury ahead of the 2022 World Cup, <strong>Lo Celso has remained a key player for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> under coach Lionel Scaloni</strong>. The midfielder was unequivocal in his belief that Messi deserves the title of history’s greatest, offering no need for further explanation.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250210_WST_554230_Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-1200x675_65ac88b5.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-554232" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/10154813/Lionel-Messi-Giovani-Lo-Celso-Argentina.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Currently playing for Real Betis, Lo Celso played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America triumph, providing the assist for Lautaro Martínez’s winning goal. As an integral part of the team, <strong>Lo Celso was also asked if he or his teammates put pressure on Messi to participate in the upcoming World Cup</strong>. His response was clear:</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-unveils-inter-miamis-new-euforia-home-kit-for-the-2025-26-seasons/"></div>


<p>“<em><strong>No, in the end, it will be what he wants</strong>. Obviously, what we all want, both us and all Argentinians, is for him to be there. I think he is enjoying himself a lot. He looks really good. As Scaloni said, we have to keep enjoying him, and obviously, it will depend on what he wants to do. <strong>But if it’s up to us, of course, everyone would say yes</strong></em>.”</p>



<h2>Lo Celso joins Mascherano in the debate</h2>



<p>Another figure who weighed in on Ronaldo’s self-proclamation was <strong>Inter Miami</strong> coach and Messi’s close friend, <strong>Javier Mascherano</strong>. Instead of offering a direct rebuttal, <strong>Mascherano took a more diplomatic approach</strong>.</p>



<p>“<em><strong>They are opinions</strong>; I have a lot of respect for Cristiano, and I don’t need to analyze his opinions. It’s what he believes; it’s fine. <strong>I have my own thinking, and the truth is, it’s not that</strong></em> (his opinion),” Mascherano stated during a recent press conference in the team’s preseason.</p>

Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo's claim as the best in history

Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo's claim as the best in history - World Soccer Talk

Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim as the best in history


<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina’s </a>preparations for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> concluded with a friendly thumping of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, 5-0. The Albiceleste enter the tournament as one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy. </p>



<p>Head coach Lionel Scaloni, though, is far from set in his bid to lead the side to its third World Cup. He must figure out how to replace the injured Giovani Lo Celso in the Argentina starting eleven.</p>



<p>The Villareal star played an integral part of the squad since Scaloni took over in 2019. However, he sustained a hamstring injury with muscle tear that ended any chances of his participation in Qatar. The nimble left footed midfielder was left with no other option than to finally <a href="https:\/\/mundoalbiceleste.com/2022/11/09/gio-lo-celso-to-undergo-surgery-on-thursday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">undergo surgery</a>. He vacates a massive hole for Argentina in the middle of the park.</p>



<p>Lo Celso formed a great understanding with Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul in the midfield three controlling the game and dictating possession for the South American side. Scaloni had earlier mentioned that the 26-year-old is irreplaceable ‘footballing wise.’ Now, the injury forces a replacement for the irreplaceable.</p>



<h2>Potential Giovani Lo Celso replacements for Argentina</h2>



<h5>Enzo Fernandez</h5>



<p>The 21-year-old is having a terrific season in Benfica. Now, a host of European giants, including <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a>, keep <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11408801/Manchester-United-Benfica-star-Enzo-Fernandez-January.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">close tabs</a> on the Argentine. Fernandez fits perfectly in Scaloni’s preferred 4-3-3 system. Surely, he is among the top players to consider for a place in the starting eleve. </p>



<p>He has played a stellar role for Benfica, who are unbeaten in the domestic league. Plus, Benfica finished top of <a href="https:\/\/www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a vaunted Champions League group</a> that included PSG and Juventus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇦🇷 Enzo Fernández is the most valuable U25 player from outside Europe&apos;s top 5 leagues, as per CIES Football. 💰⭐️ <a href="https:\/\/t.co/fbsAGbAsrK">pic.twitter.com/fbsAGbAsrK</a></p>— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/1589746786054594561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>One of Lo Celso’s biggest strengths was his ability to link up with Messi in the final third. It is a key component of Argentina’s current unbeaten run hitting 35 fixtures. While the Benfica starlet plays in a deeper role, he has excellent ball retaining capability with an envious passing range. </p>



<p>Should the Benfica player start, this could mean that Rodrigo De Paul plays a little further forward when Argentina are in possession.</p>



<h5>Alexis Mac Allister</h5>



<p>Another player who could rightfully claim a place in the starting eleven would Alexis Mac Allister. Like Enzo, Mac Alliser is having a great season at Brighton. The 23-year-old played second fiddle to Pascal Gross at times. Yet, this season, he has been a real revelation for Roberto de Zerbi.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alexis Mac Allister for Brighton:<br>⚽️ 5 goals<br>👕 14 games<br><br>Alexis Mac Allister last season for Brighton:<br>⚽️ 5 goals<br>👕 33 games <a href="https:\/\/t.co/BbUeRQfKVL">pic.twitter.com/BbUeRQfKVL</a></p>— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/RoyNemer/status/1591830722637139972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Mac Allister has been the anchor for the Premier League side and rarely makes a poor pass. He also has an eye for the goal and is adept at taking set pieces. Essentially, he can seamlessly fill the void Lo Celso thrived on. </p>



<p>Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, has coincidentally played with Argentina’s cult hero Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors in the early 1990s during the latter’s second stint with the club side.</p>



<p>Mac Allister started the friendly against the United Arab Emirates alongside Paredes and De Paul. Eventually, Enzo Fernandez also featured. </p>



<h5>The others</h5>



<p>Having been placed in <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">Group C</a> with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia, it feels as if Scaloni will change his starting eleven depending on the opposition. </p>



<p>Messi and company start their campaign against Saudi Arabia. Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez is a fit if Argentina decide to use a more attacking lineup. The 34-year-old is primarily a winger. Therefore, the Albiceleste will line up in a 4-2-3-1. </p>



<p>Exequiel Palacios of Bayer Leverkusen is another option for Scaloni who shone in his last Bundesliga game against VFB Stuttgart. He picked up an assist as his side won, 2-0. </p>



<p>Guido Rodriguez could be a formidable option, too. Rodriguez can play as a central defensive midfielder. Leandro Paredes can occupy a holding role while de Paul pushes up into an advanced role. Guido Rodriguez also played a substitute role against the United Arab Emirates.</p>



<p>Argentina begins its World Cup conquest against Saudi Arabia on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">Tuesday, Nov. 22</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>



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<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
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As Giovani Lo Celso misses out on the World Cup through injury, we look at possible replacements that Argentina can use in that role.

Potential Argentina replacements for pivotal Giovani Lo Celso

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Potential Argentina replacements for pivotal Giovani Lo Celso