Scaloni Tests Backup Goalkeepers Following Martinez Injury

An untimely hand injury to first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has forced the Argentina coaching staff to review their defensive line-up just before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Medical personnel are monitoring Martínez’s condition on a daily basis.

Although he remains in contention to start the opening group fixture against Algeria, his fitness is not yet guaranteed. Consequently, head coach Lionel Scaloni will use the upcoming friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland to choose a definitive backup from the remaining squad goalkeepers, Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso.

Analysis of the Contenders

Past performance data and long-term involvement with the national team give Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli an early advantage in the selection process. The 34-year-old has made seven senior international appearances for Argentina, during which the team never lost and conceded only two goals. Rulli’s most recent international start took place in November 2024, resulting in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying victory against Peru.

Rulli also possesses deep tournament experience, having been a squad member during Argentina’s successive title victories at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2024 Copa América. In club football, he completed 39 appearances for Marseille last season, conceding 52 goals across all competitions as the French club finished fifth in Ligue 1.

Conversely, Juan Musso presents a strong alternative due to his excellent late-season form for Atlético Madrid. Musso spent most of the season as a reserve, but an injury to starting goalkeeper Jan Oblak allowed him to take over the role.

Musso seized the opportunity, delivering crucial performances that helped Atlético Madrid reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Throughout 2026, he played 12 matches for his club, frequently earning praise as the team’s best player on the pitch. For Argentina, Musso has collected three senior caps, keeping clean sheets in all of them, though his playing time has been divided across different periods.

International Caps and Appearances

Preparatory Matches and Selection Outlook

The battle for the secondary goalkeeping spot remains wide open. While Rulli benefits from historical continuity and a long-standing presence in major tournaments, Musso’s recent club displays in high-stakes European football have made him a serious option for the coaching staff.

Argentina will play Honduras on 6 June and face Iceland on 9 June. These two warm-up games will provide Scaloni with the necessary match data to determine his tactical hierarchy. While Martínez remains the undisputed number-one choice when healthy, these fixtures ensure that Argentina’s technical team has a prepared deputy ready for the World Cup tournament.