Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Scaloni named Lionel Messi and three debutants in Argentina’s 24-man squad for the Angola friendly on 14 November
- Emiliano Martínez and several regulars are omitted due to club commitments or rest, with Gerónimo Rulli set to start in goal
- Angola are reported to have paid 12 million euros to host the world champions for the match marking 50 years of independence
Squad Announcement and Selection Details
Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed the roster for the upcoming friendly encounter against Angola, which is scheduled for 14 November and coincides with Angola’s 50th independence anniversary. The selection features both established stars and several fresh faces.
🚨Official: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been called up for Argentina’s friendly against Angola! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/h3mj5hj6N9
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) November 6, 2025
The 24-man travelling party includes Lionel Messi as well as influential forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. However, Scaloni has opted to rest first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, turning instead to Olympique Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli. There are notable absentees due to club commitments: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Rivero, and Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), along with Racing’s Facundo Cambeses. Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid also does not make the cut.
Three Debutants Receive First Call-Ups
The squad features three players receiving their first senior call-ups. Strasbourg’s Joaquín Panichelli, currently the leading scorer in Ligue 1 with 9 goals across 11 matches, steps into the squad for the first time. He is joined by Gianluca Prestianni, who was a runner-up in the U20 World Cup, and Máximo Perrone.
Logistics and Fixture Information
Argentina’s players will assemble in Elche, Spain, prior to departing for Luanda. The fixture against Angola is the only international match scheduled for this break following the cancellation of a friendly against India.
Financial Aspect of the Showcase Friendly
Local media have stated that Angola agreed to pay 12 million euros to arrange for the world champions’ visit and to commemorate their nation’s golden jubilee of independence.
| Key Argentina Squad Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 14 November |
| Venue | Luanda, Angola |
| Notable Inclusions | Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Joaquín Panichelli (debut), Gianluca Prestianni (debut), Máximo Perrone (debut) |
| Key Absentees | Emiliano Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Rivero, Gonzalo Montiel, Facundo Cambeses, Franco Mastantuono |
| Fee Paid by Angola | 12 million euros |
