Coach Lionel Scaloni unexpectedly arrives at the Madrid-based club

Coach Lionel Scaloni appeared at Atletico Madrid's training facility to hold a working session and have a direct exchange with fellow coach Diego Simeone and the club’s technical team.

Recently, Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, visited the Cerro del Espino training ground to meet with his counterpart Diego Simeone and his team immediately following Atletico Madrid’s training session. This meeting took place in the context of the Finalissima match scheduled for March approaching soon, with the main purpose being to share information about Atletico players who are regularly called up to the Argentina national team.

Based on the long-standing close relationship between the two parties, this meeting was arranged during the La Liga break, just as La Albiceleste prepared to face Spain. Previously, Scaloni was well acquainted with Atletico, frequently visiting the team’s hotel whenever they played in Mallorca.

This proactive approach is understandable, as the current World Cup champions’ squad includes many key players from Atletico such as Nahuel Molina, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Gonzalez, and Thiago Almada, alongside Juan Musso who has been called up occasionally. Therefore, Scaloni and Simeone share mutual interests in managing player fitness, maintaining form, and maximizing their potential.

Among the six Argentine players currently at Atletico Madrid, five are almost certain to be included in the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The only uncertainty concerns Musso, as the goalkeeper has not played for the national team since 2021 and has been absent from call-ups since October 2024.

Nahuel Molina was part of Argentina’s victorious squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is now considered the top choice for the right-back position, having surpassed Gonzalo Montiel. Julian Alvarez also participated in the last World Cup and continues to play a vital role upfront despite strong competition from Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

Thiago Almada, another World Cup winner, has now established a much stronger position than in 2022. This attacking midfielder is showing impressive form and has a significant chance to start in the upcoming tournament. As for Nico Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone, their situations differ somewhat. Gonzalez was a key player for Argentina before the 2022 World Cup but unfortunately missed out due to injury, while Giuliano Simeone only debuted for the national team last year and quickly met coach Scaloni’s expectations. Both are currently highly regarded contenders for the final squad.