Argentina's World Cup squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, indicating a strong foundation for the next tournament.
The voting process for the FIFA World Player of the Year highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in recognizing player achievements.
Emiliano Martinez and Christian Romero are likely to be key figures in Argentina's defense for the next World Cup.
Vinícius Júnior's recognition as World Player of the Year may enhance his performance and leadership role at Real Madrid.
Two Years After Argentina's World Cup Victory: Player Updates
As the world of soccer reflects on the two-year anniversary of Argentina's thrilling World Cup victory over France, we take a closer look at how the stars from that unforgettable match are faring today. The final, held in Doha, Qatar, ended in a dramatic 3-3 tie, with Argentina clinching the title via a penalty shootout. As anticipation builds for the next World Cup in 2026, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we assess the current status and future prospects of key players from the Albiceleste.
Emiliano Martinez, the standout goalkeeper, continues to excel at Aston Villa and remains the first-choice keeper under coach Lionel Scaloni. At 32, he is well-positioned to participate in the upcoming tournament, as goalkeepers often peak later in their careers.
Nicolas Tagliafico has transitioned from Ajax to French club Lyon and remains a valuable asset to the national team, despite being 34 by the next World Cup. Nicolas Otamendi, currently with Benfica, is expected to retire after this season, while Christian Romero, a key defender for Tottenham, is likely to be a mainstay in the squad at just 27 years old.
Nahuel Molina, recovering from injury, is also anticipated to be part of the squad, while Ansu Fernandes, now at Chelsea, has become a fan favorite and is expected to feature prominently in 2026. Rodrigo de Paul, a crucial player for Atletico Madrid, is in excellent form and likely to make another World Cup appearance at age 32.
Alexis McAllister, who recently joined Liverpool, is also expected to be included in the squad. However, Angel Di Maria has announced his retirement from international football after a stellar career. The future of Lionel Messi, who continues to play for Inter Miami, remains uncertain, but he is expected to participate in the next World Cup, defying earlier retirement speculations. Julian Alvarez, now a key player for Atletico Madrid, is also anticipated to be part of the national team in 2026.
Bayern Stars Vote in FIFA World Player of the Year Election
In a separate highlight from the soccer world, Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid has been named FIFA World Player of the Year, triumphing in a vote that included input from players, coaches, and fans. The voting process allowed participants to rank their top three players, with points awarded accordingly.
The final results saw Vinícius Júnior leading with 48 points, followed by Rodri of Manchester City with 43 points, and Jude Bellingham, also from Real Madrid, with 37 points. Notably, Bayern Munich's national coach Julian Nagelsmann made some surprising choices in his voting, placing Luis de la Fuente of Spain at the top for the Coach of the Year award, ahead of Carlo Ancelotti, who ultimately won the title with 26 points.
Bayern players, including Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies, participated in the voting, showcasing their preferences for the best players and coaches of the past year. The results reflect a blend of individual talent and team dynamics within the current football landscape.
