The football world rejoiced as Lionel Messi headlines Argentina’s preliminary squad for the upcoming double round of the South American World Cup Qualifiers. Argentina’s captain makes his highly anticipated return to international duty after recovering from an adductor injury that sidelined him during previous qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
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Messi’s Comeback: A Captain’s Return to Glory
The captain, who almost missed the the clashes ahead Colombia and Chile due to an adductor injury suffered with Inter Miami, is now fully fit and ready to rejoin the national team. The 37-year-old superstar’s inclusion brings immense relief to Argentina fans worldwide, as the defending World Cup champions prepare for their final qualifying fixtures.
Argentina captain Messi, meanwhile, returned to action for Inter Miami on Saturday night following two weeks out with a muscle injury in his right leg. His recent performance against LA Galaxy, where he scored and provided a spectacular assist for Luis Suárez in a 3-1 victory, demonstrates his readiness to lead Argentina once again.
Squad Analysis: Youth Meets Experience
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has assembled a formidable 31-man preliminary squad that perfectly blends established stars with emerging talents. The 31-man squad for the matches includes young talents like Real Madrid’s recent signing Franco Mastantuono and Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri as well as AFC Bournemouth defender Julio Soler and José Manuel “Flaco” López, who plays for Palmeiras.
Key Squad Statistics
| Position | Players Called | Notable Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | 3 | Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli |
| Defenders | 9 | Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina |
| Midfielders | 10 | Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo de Paul, Claudio Echeverri |
| Forwards | 9 | Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez |
Garnacho’s Notable Absence
One significant talking point surrounding the squad announcement is the exclusion of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. The call-up marks the return of Marcos Acuña as well while Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho is missing this time around. This decision reflects Scaloni’s continued emphasis on form and tactical fit rather than reputation alone.
The young winger’s absence continues a pattern where promising talents must consistently prove themselves at club level to secure their place in Argentina’s competitive squad setup.
Fixture Schedule and Significance
Argentina faces two crucial South American qualifiers that will close out their qualifying campaign:
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2025 | Venezuela | Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires | Home advantage crucial |
| September 9, 2025 | Ecuador | Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, Quito | High-altitude challenge |
Argentina, which have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will play Ecuador (September 9) and Venezuela (September 4), so his return will be vital. While qualification is secure, these matches serve multiple purposes including maintaining competitive rhythm, testing squad depth, and providing opportunities for emerging talents.
Tactical Considerations and Squad Depth
Scaloni’s squad selection reflects careful consideration of both immediate needs and long-term planning. Remember that this is merely a preliminary squad. Scaloni has made it clear that the final list would only include people who are completely prepared, both mentally and physically.
The inclusion of players like Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri signals Argentina’s commitment to developing the next generation while maintaining their current success. These young talents will benefit immensely from training alongside established stars like Messi, potentially forming the backbone of Argentina’s future campaigns.
Squad Balance and Formation Flexibility
The preliminary squad offers Scaloni multiple tactical options across various formations. With versatile players like Alexis Mac Allister, who can operate in multiple midfield roles, and forwards like Julian Alvarez, who brings pace and pressing intensity, Argentina maintains the flexibility that has been crucial to their recent success.
Complete Preliminary Squad List
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)
Defenders: Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Marcos Acuna (River Plate), Julio Soler (Bournemouth), Facundo Medina (Marseille)
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Leverkusen), Alan Varela (Porto), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Paz (Como), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City)
Forwards: Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Valentin Carboni (Genoa), Angel Correa (UANL), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras)
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FAQs
Why was Alejandro Garnacho not selected for Argentina’s preliminary squad?
Garnacho was not included due to form concerns at club level and lack of playing time in previous international call-ups, as coach Lionel Scaloni prefers to select players who can contribute immediately.
When will Argentina play their 2026 World Cup Qualifying matches?
Argentina will face Venezuela on September 4, 2025, at home in Buenos Aires, followed by an away match against Ecuador on September 9, 2025, in Quito.
Has Argentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Argentina has already secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and currently leads the South American qualifying table with a comfortable margin.
Is this Lionel Messi’s final squad selection for Argentina?
This is only a preliminary squad of 31 players. Coach Scaloni will announce the final squad closer to the matches, with only fully fit and prepared players making the cut.
Who are the surprising inclusions in Argentina’s preliminary squad?
Notable inclusions include young talents Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), and José Manuel López (Palmeiras), representing Argentina’s focus on developing future stars.
