The Most Entertaining Backstage of the World Cup

While Lionel Scaloni (Argentina's head coach since 2018, who led the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup) was finalizing details for the debut against Algeria on June 16, the Argentine National Team revealed the behind-the-scenes moments from the official photography sessions before the start of World Cup 2026. The national team posted a video on their social media showing the fun moments the players had during the filming of FIFA's protocol images.

The backstage video began with Thiago Almada (the talented young midfielder who plays for Atlanta United in MLS) speaking in English with one of the organization's collaborators, demonstrating the young Argentine talent's ease in the international environment.

Jokes Among Teammates

The most active in teasing those posing in front of the cameras were Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez (Argentina's charismatic goalkeeper, famous for his penalty-saving heroics and playful personality), Nicolás Otamendi (veteran central defender, a key leader in the locker room), and Cristian 'Cuti' Romero (passate defender known for his aggressive style and humor). These three took advantage of every moment to make comments and generate laughter from those present.

Emiliano Dibu Martínez, who is recovering from a fractured right ring finger, was very active modifying images on a computer: “I'm changing his name”, he said while working with the official photos.

Physical Trainer Martín Also Joined In

Luis 'Profe' Martín (the team's beloved physical trainer, known as 'Profe'—a common nickname for physical trainers in Argentina) also joined the relaxed atmosphere: “Let the photos come out well, let the boys be tidy, combed, everything I have to control”. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City forward and World Cup champion) immediately responded: “Come on, Profe, come on!”

Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid right-back) also joked: “Lucero is missing after Molina. My mom is going to get mad”, he commented laughing, referring to his family name appearing in official lists.

All Players Present

Other players who appeared in the video were: Lionel Messi (the legendary captain and seven-time Ballon d'Or winner), Rodrigo De Paul (midfielder known as Messi's 'bodyguard' on the pitch), Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone (son of famous Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea midfielder and 2022 World Cup Young Player of the Tournament), Leandro Paredes, José Manuel López, Facundo Medina, Gonzalo Montiel (who scored the decisive penalty in the 2022 World Cup final), and Gerónimo Rulli (backup goalkeeper).

Nicolás Otamendi had already shared on his social media a segment of the production featuring Thiago Almada and Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen midfielder) as protagonists.

Sports News of the Day

On the sporting front, the Argentine national team confirmed that Nicolás Tagliafico (experienced left-back who plays for Lyon in France) suffered a grade 1 tear in his left soleus muscle during the friendly match against Honduras on June 6. The defender will not be available for the debut on Tuesday, June 16 against Algeria, and his presence in the rest of the group stage is uncertain.

Additionally, Marcos Senesi (Argentine defender who plays for Bournemouth in the English Premier League) was called up to replace Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille defender), who was ruled out due to injury. The left-footed central defender will join the squad.

Emiliano Martínez gave an encouraging sign by training with gloves for the first time since arriving in the United States. The goalkeeper showed some signs of pain at moments but continued with his training routine.

Argentina Debuts on June 16

The Argentine National Team makes its debut on Tuesday, June 16 at 10:00 PM local time against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Argentina arrives as #1 in the FIFA rankings with 1,877.27 points.

The video demonstrates the excellent camaraderie that reigns in the Argentine squad, one of the keys to success in the 2022 World Cup (held in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in a memorable final) and which they hope to replicate in this new World Cup tournament.