Argentina has announced a fresh 31-man squad for the upcoming South American qualifiers, with Lionel Messi once again at the helm. Coach Lionel Scaloni has blended experience with a wave of young talent, signaling a transition while keeping the defending world champions competitive.
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Among the standout names are Manchester City striker Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela, and Real Madrid’s newest signing Franco Mastantuono. Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez also earned his first-ever call-up, reflecting Scaloni’s intent to widen the pool of attacking options.
The “Albiceleste” will host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4 before traveling to Guayaquil to face Ecuador on September 9. Argentina already sits comfortably at the top of the qualifying table with 35 points, 10 ahead of second-placed Ecuador and 13 clear of Brazil. With qualification for the 2026 World Cup already secured, Scaloni is using these fixtures to test the next generation of Argentine stars.
The squad includes established figures like Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martinez, ensuring a balance of leadership and stability. Alongside them, the introduction of emerging names such as Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, and Valentin Carboni adds depth and future promise.
For Scaloni, this selection is not just about winning games but preparing Argentina’s squad depth ahead of the World Cup. With Messi guiding the team on the pitch and a new crop of players eager to prove themselves, Argentina’s dominance in South America looks set to continue.
