Alexis Mac Allister hopes Argentina can properly protect and nurture the immense potential of 22-year-old attacking midfielder Nico Paz as detikSport reported.
Paz has drawn widespread attention following a strong start to the season with Como, registering six goals and eight assists across 14 appearances in all competitions. His impressive club form earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team for the upcoming FIFA Matchday fixtures in November 2026.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni announced a 28-player squad through the Argentine Football Association (AFA) website on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. reported that the roster includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, 12 midfielders, and three forwards.
The defending world champions are scheduled to play two international friendlies during this window, facing Uruguay on November 14 and Costa Rica on November 18, according to CNN Indonesia.
Scaloni Parks Iconic Number 10 Jersey
The upcoming friendlies are the first fixtures for La Albiceleste since Messi announced his international retirement. In a symbolic move, the coaching staff decided to leave Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt vacant in the locker room rather than assign it to any player for the November fixtures, CNN Indonesia reported via TyC Sports.
Several players have emerged as natural candidates to eventually inherit the prestigious jersey. Paz has been widely mentioned as a leading contender due to his elegant left-footed playmaking and a scoring streak that saw him net in three consecutive appearances for Argentina against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, as detailed by CNN Indonesia.
Mac Allister, who wore the number 10 shirt during his time with Brighton and Hove Albion, is also considered a candidate alongside Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez and teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono, according to CNN Indonesia.
Mac Allister Urges Support for Paz
Mac Allister emphasized shielding the young playmaker from excessive pressure while helping him maintain his club form during international matches.
Soal Nico, dia pemain dengan kualitas dan talenta luar biasa,
Mac Allister told AS as quoted by detikSport.
Yang paling penting adalah kami, sebagai tim dan teman setimnya, bisa membantunya menjaga level seperti yang dia tunjukkan di Como. Itulah yang paling kami inginkan,
Mac Allister added.
Kita bisa lihat kalau orang-orang sangat menyukai dan mendukungnya, dan itu sangat penting.
Kami doakan yang terbaik karena kami selalu ada untuk mendukungnya,
he said.
New Generation Joins Senior Squad
Scaloni’s 28-man roster blends experienced stalwarts with emerging talent as the national team transitions into a post-Messi era. The goalkeeping department features Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, and Santiago Beltran, Suara Surabaya reported.
Defensive options include Gonzalo Montiel, Agustin Giay, Aaron Anselmino, Mariano Troilo, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Roman Vega. Meanwhile, the midfield group is packed with talent, featuring Mac Allister, Fernandez, Paz, Thiago Almada, and Gianluca Prestianni, Pantau.com reported.
The attacking trio selected for the November matches consists of Jose Manuel Lopez, Santiago Castro, and Julian Alvarez, according to Pantau.com.
Upcoming Fixtures Against Uruguay and Costa Rica
Argentina will kick off its November schedule against Uruguay on November 14, followed by a match against Costa Rica on November 18, CNN Indonesia reported.
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