Argentina’s national football team announced a refreshed 31-man squad on Monday, with captain Lionel Messi once again leading the side for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.
The selection reflects a balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talents, as coach Lionel Scaloni continues to build depth in his world champion squad.
Among the fresh faces are Manchester City striker Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela, and Franco Mastantuono, who recently signed with Real Madrid. Striker José Manuel López of Brazilian club Palmeiras has also earned his first national team call-up.
Argentina will face Venezuela at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 4, before traveling to Guayaquil to meet Ecuador on September 9.
With qualification for the 2026 World Cup already secured, the Albiceleste sit comfortably at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 35 points—10 points clear of Ecuador in second place and Brazil in third.
Argentina Squad for September Qualifiers:
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
With Messi at the helm and Scaloni testing a new generation of stars, Argentina’s upcoming fixtures promise not only competitive football but also a glimpse into the future of the world champions.