Argentina are in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after an agonising 3-2 defeat to Egypt. The comeback, which kept the Albiceleste dream alive, once again exposed a constant in Lionel Scaloni's cycle, the almost unwavering faith in the player base that won two Copa Americas and the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Scaloni and his players, a bond that transcends football
After the narrow victory against Cape Verde, some doubts had arisen about the team's performance. To face Egypt, Scaloni introduced variations with the introductions of Tagliaficos, Paredes and Julian Alvarez. However, the changes did not modify the main structure of a team that continues to be supported by the names that played in the most successful phase of the National Team. After Messi's missed penalty and the goal that put Egypt ahead, Argentina showed difficulties. One of the most subdued areas was the right sector, where Molina and De Pol were far from their best version and the team lost attacking depth. Despite this unfavorable context, Scaloni waited until the 21st minute of the second half to move the bench.
Change with Qatar 2022
Interestingly, one of Scaloni's great virtues at Qatar 2022 was his ability to detect when the team needed new faces. Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mak Alister and Julian Álvarez went from substitutes to starting players during the tournament. Almost four years later, the scenario looks different, talents such as Niko Paz, Valentin Barko or Giuliano Simeone still do not find the same support when the games become complex. At the same point in Qatar, with five matches played, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mak Alister had already won a permanent place in the team. After the initial defeat to Saudi Arabia, the coach decided to modify the names and the scheme in search of answers. The bet was quick and the youngsters responded on the pitch. At the 2026 World Cup, on the other hand, the players representing the substitutes have not yet managed to take that step. Although all added minutes during the tournament, most did so in the match against Jordan, when Argentina had already qualified for the last 16 and secured first place in their group.
