Scaloni on Argentina life after Messi: Julián Álvarez, Nico Paz and Mastantuono roles

Argentina has entered the post Messi era and Scaloni made one thing clear: the national team does not depend on a single figure, but on a collective balance that is now being rebuilt. After the first match without the captain, the coach explained why Julián Álvarez played the full 90 minutes despite a planned change, what role he sees for Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono, and how he intends to look after the young talents knocking on the door. His answers drew a detailed map of what lies ahead.

• Julián Álvarez stayed on the pitch because Scaloni wanted him to regain match rhythm, not because of a substitution mistake.
• The coach sees a Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez starting partnership as a real possibility in the new cycle.
• Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono offer different profiles: one a playmaker, the other more electric and wide.
• Leonel Flores, the explosive Boca youngster, earned praise from Scaloni, who called for patience and protection.

What Scaloni said about a Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez forward line

In this Argentina side without Messi, one of the strongest possibilities is finally seeing two centre-forwards share the starting eleven. Julián Álvarez is going through a period of rediscovery after his conflict with Atlético de Madrid, while Lautaro Martínez arrives with the confidence of a goalscorer. Scaloni did not rule it out, though he was cautious when talking about the balance the team needs.

The coach explained that with Julián, Lautaro and Nico Paz already on the pitch the structure worked well, and that adding a fourth young attacker like Mastantuono is an option rather than an obligation. "There is a balance that I believe cannot be broken," he said, making it clear that decisions come down to collective function, not just individual names.

The Julián Álvarez case: why Scaloni kept him on

The Atlético de Madrid forward was one of three players who completed the entire match, although for a stretch it looked like he might come off when José López was preparing to enter. The scene raised questions, and Scaloni addressed them directly.

When Flaco was about to come on, Julián thought he was going off because at half-time I had told him I might take him out after 20 or 25 minutes. There was no mistake. We need Julián to recover minutes, to play. That is why I preferred to keep him on.

The explanation follows a simple logic: Julián needs playing time to recover his best version and the goal he chased insistently. Lautaro, on the other hand, had already played and scored, so the coach chose to protect the happier player. A group management decision as simple as it was effective.

Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono: talent handled with patience

With the departure of the legendary number 10, the national team needs someone to carry the creative weight. Nico Paz emerges as a natural candidate: he was at the World Cup, already knows the group and competes at a high level in Europe. His performance drew praise, but Scaloni tried not to put him on a pedestal too soon.

Nico's role was important, just like Franco Mastantuono's, just like Prestianni's, just like the boys who are pushing from behind.

The coach pointed out clear differences between the two. Franco Mastantuono is more electric, more of a wide player, able to operate as a winger or behind the striker. Nico Paz, by contrast, is more of a playmaker, although he can also play on the side with different characteristics. "One brings one thing and the other brings another. We have the chance to enjoy them," he summarised.

Leonel Flores, the Boca revelation who excites Argentina

Another surprise in the squad was Leonel Flores, the quick and skilful winger from Boca's academy. In just ten minutes he made his mark and left the feeling that there is material to get excited about. Scaloni was emphatic when analysing him.

The coach explained that young players are asked to do exactly what they do at their clubs, and that Flores already shows that threat at Boca. The key is not rushing his development. "He is a talent who must be looked after. That is the only way he will give us results," he said, aware that he cannot be expected to repeat in every match what he showed in ten minutes.

The post Messi era: rebuilding without pause or pressure

The first match without Lionel Messi offered several takeaways. Argentina did not freeze, and Scaloni made it clear his method has not changed: give young players a chance, but with patience, and maintain the balance that allows the team to compete without giving anything away. The idea of an attack featuring Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez is beginning to take shape, while Nico Paz and Mastantuono emerge as the heirs to the creative spark.

The road is long and the absence of the number 10 is heavy, but this Argentina side has the pieces to rebuild. What comes next is confirming whether they fit together on the pitch as well as they do in the coach's thinking.