Argentina opens its new international window at 8:00 p.m. local time on Friday, November 13, at Estadio Alberto J. Armando in Buenos Aires, hosting Uruguay in an international friendly that marks the start of the team’s first preparations without Lionel Messi, as reported by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino.
Emiliano Martínez participated in training sessions wearing special protection following a jaw fracture, but local reports indicate the Aston Villa goalkeeper is expected to begin Friday’s fixture on the bench as the coaching staff manages his rehabilitation. Scaloni said that Martínez “has provided us with both his maximum competitive level and his level of positivity within the group,” as noted by ESPN Argentina.
Gerónimo Rulli stands ready to anchor the starting lineup in place of Martínez. Rulli brings momentum to the squad after key performances, as detailed by Página|12.
In the backline, central defender Leonardo Balerdi steps in to cover for the injured Cristian Romero, partnering with Lisandro Martínez in the central defensive pairing, according to TyC Sports. Olé reported that Scaloni utilized training vests during Wednesday’s session at the Ezeiza complex to test different configurations along the defensive flanks.
Agustín Giay claims the right-back role, while Facundo Medina emerged on the left side during Thursday’s practice over Nicolás Tagliafico, TyC Sports reported. Medina has logged 12 starts across 15 matches for Bayer Leverkusen this season, outdistancing Tagliafico’s limited minutes at Olympique de Lyon.
Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández retain their fixtures in the central midfield, joined by Exequiel Palacios in the absence of the suspended Leandro Paredes and uncalled Rodrigo De Paul, TyC Sports confirmed. Scaloni previously remarked of Fernández that “with Enzo we look for forward vertical passes or passes that skip a line or two,” according to ESPN Argentina records from November 2022.
Nico Paz assumes creative playmaking duties, while Gianluca Prestianni partners with Julián Álvarez in attack, according to TyC Sports. Scaloni noted of Álvarez that the forward “gives many options to any coach,” as reported by ESPN Argentina in March 2025.
Following Friday’s kickoff against Uruguay at 20:00 UTC-3, the squad maintains a closed training session on Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 local time, followed by afternoon sessions and a Monday morning travel schedule to Córdoba for their upcoming fixture against Costa Rica, according to the AFA schedule.
