Key Takeaways:
- Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni has called up 31 players, with Lionel Messi leading the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.
- New faces include Claudio Echeverri, Alan Varela, Franco Mastantuono, and first-time call-up José Manuel López.
- Argentina top the standings with 35 points, having secured World Cup qualification prior to the final two qualifying matches.
Scaloni Unveils Squad for Final South American Qualifiers
On Monday, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed a 31-man selection for the concluding matches of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The group, captained by Lionel Messi, sees a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, as Argentina prepare to host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium on 4 September, before travelling to Guayaquil to face Ecuador five days later.
Newcomers Bolster Argentina’s Roster
In addition to established names, Scaloni’s squad introduces several fresh faces. Manchester City’s promising forward Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela, and recently signed Real Madrid prospect Franco Mastantuono all feature. Palmeiras striker José Manuel López receives his first-ever senior call-up, adding further competition to the attacking ranks.
Everything indicates that Argentina's next match vs Venezuela will be the last official match Leo Messi will play in his country. 🇦🇷😔
After that, the Finalissima and the World Cup to end his international career. 🤩🏆 pic.twitter.com/YAb6uXyVEH
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 19, 2025
Argentina Dominate Qualification Campaign
With their place at the 2026 World Cup already assured several matchdays ago, La Albiceleste lead the table on 35 points, holding a 10-point cushion over closest contenders Ecuador and Brazil as they approach the last two fixtures of the qualifying series.
Full Squad Breakdown
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille) |
| Defenders | Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Marcos Acuña (River Plate), Julio Soler (Bournemouth), Facundo Medina (Marseille) |
| Midfielders | Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alan Varela (Porto), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentín Carboni (Genoa) |
| Forwards | Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Ángel Correa (Tigres), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás González (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), José Manuel López (Palmeiras) |
