The Argentine men’s national football team is on the final stretch before the 2026 World Cup, where they’ll start their repeat quest on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. The team coached by Lionel Scaloni beat Honduras 2-0 on Saturday, the first of two preparation friendly matches ahead of the tournament.

With the second one against Iceland coming up fast, set to kick off on Tuesday at 10 p.m. Argentina time, what did we learn from the friendly against Honduras? What is the latest from the Argentine team camp? And what can we expect from the Albiceleste in their next matchup?

Honduras duel clears worries about ‘Cuti’ Romero

Argentina had a fairly straightforward game against Honduras. With many of its top stars on the bench — including captain Lionel Messi — the match was more about trying out options and alternatives than the result or the performance.

Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 38th minute of the first half from the penalty spot, then set up Giuliano Simeone with a backheel in the 55th, for the goal that sealed the score.

The biggest news of the day was undoubtedly the return of defensive cornerstone Cristian Cuti Romero. The defender was recovering from a lateral ligament strain in his right knee, which he suffered back in April, and Saturday was his first minutes of football in almost two months.

Despite the extended absence, Romero looked solid, played a comfortable match and didn’t look to have any remaining physical issues.

Scaloni also took the opportunity to give several players their national team debut. Santiago Beltrán, Tomás Aranda, Nicolás Capaldo, and Joaquín Freitas all entered the pitch in the second half, although none will be making it to the 2026 World Cup.

A new injury and players returning

The biggest dilemma Scaloni is facing right now is Leonardo Balerdi’s injury. The Olympique Marseille defender suffered a right soleus tear during Friday’s training session and will miss the World Cup.

The national team coach needs to select a backup from among the list of 55 players he first named in May, with Bournemouth stalwart defender Marcos Senesi looking like the leading candidate to take the spot.

The 29-year-old centerback, who came through the San Lorenzo academy, was one of the English Premier League’s top defenders last season after a standout season at Bournemouth.

The rest of the squad is progressing well, with Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Paz all joining the team and completing their first full training session with their teammates.

With Lionel Messi and Romero also training well, the last question marks hang over Emiliano Martínez, Leandro Paredes and Julián Álvarez.

The goalkeeper is still only doing light workouts and won’t be available until at least the start of the World Cup.

Paredes, who suffered a tear during his last Copa Libertadores commitment with Boca Juniors against Universidad Católica, is still in recovery and likely won’t feature until at least the second group stage games.

Álvarez suffered a rolled left ankle while playing for Atlético Madrid, and is being kept under wraps despite having already worked out alongside his teammates at times. He’s expected to return in time for the opener against Algeria.

A more serious test run

Argentina is set to take on Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday. The match will kick off at 10 p.m. Argentina time.

Expect some rotation from the match against Honduras and a more serious outlook. 

Gerónimo Rulli is likely to go between the sticks in place of Juan Musso. Rulli has long been Dibu Martínez’s deputy, and Scaloni will want both keepers in shape in case there’s a delay in the starting man’s recovery.

In the midfield, the Qatar 2022 trio of Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister could make a comeback, but those are likely to be all the changes, with both Álvarez and Messi not expected to get minutes from the start.