On August 18, 2025, Argentina’s national football team announced a dynamic 31-man squad, captained by Lionel Messi, for the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Lionel Scaloni’s selection blends seasoned stars with emerging talents as the team prepares to face Venezuela on September 4 in Buenos Aires and Ecuador on September 9 in Guayaquil.
The “Albiceleste” squad features young prospects like Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri, Porto’s Alan Varela, and Real Madrid’s recent signing Franco Mastantuono. Scaloni also handed a first call-up to Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez, signalling a focus on fresh talent. Alongside Messi, established players like Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Julián Álvarez bolster the roster.
🇦🇷📝 The preliminary squad chosen by Lionel Scaloni to close out the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/EIoXhbRlVn
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) August 18, 2025Full Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli
- Defenders: Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Julio Soler, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Carboni
- Forwards: Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julián Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez
Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina leads the South American qualifiers with 35 points, 10 points ahead of Ecuador and Brazil. The team’s strong performance reflects their status as reigning world champions and their depth of talent under Scaloni’s leadership.
Argentina will host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, aiming to maintain its unbeaten streak. Five days later, they face a tougher challenge against Ecuador in Guayaquil. These matches offer Scaloni a chance to integrate young players while relying on Messi’s experience to secure victories.
