Scaloni does not call up Mastantuono and rewards Gianluca Prestianni after his clash with Vinicius Jr

T he Argentina national team has already defined its squad for the friendly matches prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup , and as usual in the final stretch before a major event, the list left strong decisions by Lionel Scaloni

Among the main novelties is the absence of Franco Mastantuono , one of the young promises who was gaining prominence, and the inclusion of Gianluca Prestianni , who is going through a media moment after his recent clash with Vinicius Jr.

Mastantuono, the big absentee

Mastantuono's non-call has generated surprise in Argentine football circles. The youngster, considered one of the country's most promising talents , seemed to have a chance of making the list, at least as an alternative.

However, Scaloni opted not to include him in this window, which could be interpreted as a strategic decision not to rush his process or as a sign that he is not yet in the final consideration for the World Cup.

Prestianni, award and opportunity

In contrast, Prestianni's presence appears to be one of the coach's big gambles. The young winger has not only shown a good level at his club, but has also been in the media spotlight after a controversy with Vinicius Jr, which increased his visibility.

Far from affecting his image, the episode seems to have coincided with his call-up to the national team, where he will now have the opportunity to show himself in a context of maximum demand.

A list with a champion base

Beyond these decisions, the squad maintains the core of the team that has taken Argentina to the top in recent years . Experienced players and group leaders remain the backbone of the squad.

These friendlies will be crucial for the coaching staff to iron out details and clear up any doubts ahead of the tournament.

Scaloni seeks a balance between experience and renewal , evaluating players who can provide solutions in different scenarios. In this context, decisions such as the absence of Mastantuono and the inclusion of Prestianni reflect that internal competition remains open.

With the World Cup just around the corner, every call-up becomes a message. And this time, the Argentine coach made it clear that no one is guaranteed a place and that performance - on and off the field - will be decisive.