BUENOS AIRES – Argentina has announced a revamped 31-man squad for the final stretch of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi once again at the forefront. The new lineup signals a generational shift as coach Lionel Scaloni injects fresh talent alongside his trusted veterans.
Messi, the undisputed leader of the national team, will guide an Argentine side that already sits comfortably atop the CONMEBOL standings with 35 points, holding a 10-point lead over second-placed Ecuador. Despite having secured early qualification, Argentina is not taking the upcoming fixtures lightly. They will face Venezuela on September 4 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, followed by a challenging encounter against Ecuador in Guayaquil on September 9.
A Mix of Experience and Emerging Stars
Scaloni’s selection reflects a calculated balance between experience and youth. Alongside proven names such as Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Rodrigo De Paul, the squad welcomes exciting youngsters including Claudio Echeverri of Manchester City, Alan Varela from Porto, and Real Madrid’s highly rated Franco Mastantuono.
Adding further intrigue, Palmeiras striker José Manuel López has been called up for the first time, providing Scaloni with an additional attacking option. Rising prospects like Valentín Carboni, Nicolás Paz, and Giuliano Simeone also feature, underlining Argentina’s commitment to grooming the next generation of stars.
The Complete 31-Man Squad
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Walter Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli
- Defenders: Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolás Tagliafico, Marcos Acuña, Julio Soler, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolás Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentín Carboni
- Forwards: Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López
Preparing for the Future
With World Cup qualification already in the bag, the emphasis for Scaloni’s Argentina lies in building squad depth and ensuring long-term stability. The inclusion of so many young names indicates a proactive attempt to blend Messi’s leadership and winning mentality with the energy of emerging stars.
This strategy not only allows Argentina to maintain dominance in South America but also positions them strongly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The upcoming matches will serve as a testing ground for Scaloni to assess which young players are ready to shoulder the pressure of the global stage.
As Messi continues to inspire both teammates and fans worldwide, Argentina’s evolving lineup represents a fascinating new chapter for the reigning world champions.
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