FC Barcelona is quietly exploring solutions to its growing problems at center back, and an intriguing idea is beginning to take shape behind the scenes: reinforcing the defense with two Argentine internationals who share a long history with Lionel Messi.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, internal discussions are ongoing at the club following talks involving head coach Hansi Flick. What was once a theoretical conversation has now become a serious evaluation, largely due to circumstances Barcelona can no longer ignore.

Barcelona's center-back crisis for the January market

The situation escalated after Andreas Christensen suffered a serious injury that will sideline him for an extended period. His absence has left FC Barcelona dangerously thin at center back during a decisive stretch of the season.

Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé remain key pillars, but the workload across La Liga, Europe, and domestic competitions is piling up. Flick and the sporting department are now weighing whether relying on internal solutions is too risky, especially with limited rotation options available.

Romano has emphasized that Barcelona is not chasing marquee signings in January. Financial restrictions and La Liga's strict regulations mean the club must act pragmatically. Any defensive addition would likely arrive via a loan deal or a low-cost transfer, rather than a blockbuster move.

This context has shifted attention toward experienced, reliable defenders who could stabilize the back line immediately without breaking the bank.

Why Messi's Argentina teammates make sense

While Romano did not confirm specific names, the profile Barcelona is seeking aligns closely with Argentina national team defenders who have shared the pitch with Lionel Messi for years.

Players such as Nicolás Otamendi or Cristian Romero, both leaders in Argentina's World Cup-winning squad, fit the mold: battle-tested center backs, tactically intelligent, and accustomed to high-pressure environments. Their familiarity with elite-level football and leadership qualities could provide instant stability to Barcelona's defense.

Just as importantly, Argentine internationals tend to bring strong positional discipline, traits Flick values highly in his defensive structure. While a permanent transfer may be unrealistic mid-season, a short-term loan or creative deal could be mutually beneficial.

Barcelona is also thinking beyond January. Names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Marc Guéhi remain on the club's long-term radar, but those pursuits are more likely to materialize in summer 2026, when finances and planning allow for a larger defensive rebuild. For now, January is about survival and balance, not luxury.

Christensen's injury has forced Barcelona to confront reality. Whether that leads to a familiar Argentine face arriving at Camp Nou remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the club can no longer afford to gamble with its defense if it hopes to stay competitive through the second half of the season.