Argentina have called up Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone from Como while resting Lautaro Martinez and missing Paulo Dybala. Betting implication: Argentina remain clear favorites against Guatemala, but Lautaro’s absence suggests backing Messi or Julian Álvarez in anytime scorer markets or taking a conservative handicap (–1) rather than large-margin bets as Scaloni experiments with squad depth.
Scaloni Hands Como Duo International Call-Up as Lautaro Martinez Is Rested
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has named two Como players, Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone, in his latest squad for upcoming friendlies as the team continues preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, who has been recovering from injury, has been left at home to avoid the travel strain. Roma’s Paulo Dybala is also unavailable through injury, leaving Como as the sole Serie A representatives in the group.
Context: From La Finalissima Plans to a Guatemala Friendly
Argentina had been due to face Spain in La Finalissima, a match between the European Championship and Copa America winners, but the fixture was scrapped after organisers failed to agree on date and venue. Instead, Argentina will play Guatemala on March 31 as part of their World Cup build-up. Scaloni’s selections reflect recent form in Italy, with Como’s competitive displays in Serie A and the Coppa Italia rewarded.
Tactical Impact of the Call-Ups
Perrone offers creative midfield options and Paz adds youth and technical flexibility, signalling Scaloni’s willingness to broaden midfield combinations ahead of the World Cup cycle. With Martinez absent, attacking responsibility will lean more heavily on Lionel Messi and established forwards such as Julian Álvarez. The squad looks designed to balance experience with fresh options, prioritising player management over risky long-haul travel for recovering stars.
Full Argentina Squad
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Marco Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Tomas Palacios (Estudiantes), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gabriel Rojas (Racing), Marcos Acuna (River Plate), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Maximo Perrone (Como), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Valentin Barco (Racing Strasbourg), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nico Paz (Como), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Jose Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
Betting Angles and What Punters Should Note
Lautaro Martinez’s absence reduces Argentina’s depth in the central striking role, increasing the likelihood that Messi and Álvarez will be the primary goal threats.
Canada calls up Aribim Pepple, of English third tier, for its March roster
For bettors this suggests favoring lower-margin outcomes: back Argentina to win but avoid large handicaps; consider Messi or Álvarez in anytime scorer markets; alternatively, expect the match to be used for experimentation, so both-teams-to-score and under/over total goals markets may offer value depending on the starting lineup.
Football Italia
