Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is evaluating whether to call up Boca Juniors youngsters Leonel Flores and Milton Delgado for the upcoming November international break, a decision that could strip the Xeneize of two key players during a crucial stretch of domestic and continental competition, Infobae reported.

Upcoming November Friendlies Threaten Boca Schedule

The international window falls directly into a high-stakes period for Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s squad. Argentina is scheduled to host Uruguay in Buenos Aires on November 13, followed by a match against Costa Rica in Córdoba on November 17. Squeezed squarely between those two fixtures is Boca’s Copa Argentina semifinal against Banfield, set for November 14 at 7:00 PM local time at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, as detailed by TN.

If Scaloni finalizes the call-ups, Flores and Delgado would remain with the Albiceleste until November 18. They would then join the squad at the last minute for the trip to Barranquilla, Colombia, where Boca is scheduled to face Atlético Mineiro in the Copa Sudamericana final just three days later. The overlapping calendar has alerted club president Juan Román Riquelme’s board to a potential roster crisis.

Leonel Flores Seeks Continued Minutes in the Senior Squad

For Flores, a return to the national team follows a rapid ascent through the ranks. The 19-year-old forward made his senior debut during the previous international window against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, subsequently earning minutes against Burkina Faso and Benin at the Estadio Monumental. His pace and direct running on the right side of the attack have caught the coaching staff’s attention.

While his integration into the senior setup reflects his recent form in the domestic tournament, his absence would leave Arruabarrena searching for alternative wide options ahead of the semifinal clash in Mendoza. Scaloni’s ongoing efforts to reshape the squad following Lionel Messi’s departure after a 21-year international career have opened the door for younger profiles to stake a claim.

Milton Delgado Pushes for a Maiden Senior Call-Up

Milton Delgado presents a different profile as a midfield anchor. While he has yet to debut for the senior team, his performances alongside Leandro Paredes in the center of the pitch have put him on the radar. Delgado recientemente renovó su contrato con la institución hasta 2030, asegurando su futuro tras despertar interés de clubes del exterior.

Leandro Paredes offered a strong endorsement of his teammate’s capabilities. “He is very important for the team and for me. Very intelligent, intense, plays very well, understands all the matches to perfection,” Paredes said of the youngster, who also earned the Bronze Ball as a runner-up at the Under-20 World Cup. Delgado started both legs against Vasco da Gama to help secure Boca’s place in the continental final.

Potential International Absences Pile Up for Arruabarrena

The domestic fixture against Banfield could be severely depleted by more than just the Argentine selections. Beyond Flores and Delgado, Boca faces potential absences on multiple fronts. TN reported that goalkeeper Álvaro Montero has been pre-selected by Colombia, while forward Miguel Merentiel appears on Uruguay’s preliminary list compiled by Diego Forlán. If all four potential call-ups materialize, Boca could be forced to play the Copa Argentina semifinal without four regular contributors.

Boca Juniors Meets Banfield in Copa Argentina Semifinal

The immediate competitive test arrives on November 14, 2026, when Boca Juniors meets Banfield in Mendoza for the Copa Argentina semifinal. Official squad lists for the November FIFA window are expected to be released by the Argentine Football Association in the days leading up to the fixtures.