Messi Leads Argentina’s 31-man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Argentina on Monday announced a 31-man squad, captained by Lionel Messi, for the upcoming South American qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Lionel Scaloni retained experienced regulars while introducing several emerging players, including Manchester City striker Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela and Real Madrid’s teenage signing Franco Mastantuono. Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez received his first senior call-up.

The “Albiceleste” will face Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4 before traveling to Guayaquil to play Ecuador five days later. Having already secured qualification, Argentina top the standings with 35 points, 10 clear of Ecuador and Brazil.

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Argentina 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, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez

Meanwhile, in the United States, Messi returned from a minor muscle injury to inspire Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on Saturday. Coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored with a powerful left-foot strike in the 84th minute and created multiple scoring chances in his 45 minutes on the pitch. Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez also contributed to Miami’s victory at Chase Stadium.