Argentina have announced their 28-man squad for the October international friendlies in the United States, with Lionel Messi leading the team and head coach Lionel Scaloni introducing three new faces.
The world champions, who have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face Venezuela and Puerto Rico during their North American tour. The first match will take place on 10 October at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, followed by a second fixture on 13 October at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Messi confirmed despite club commitments
There had been speculation that Messi might remain with Inter Miami to focus on the closing stages of the Major League Soccer season. However, the 38-year-old forward has been confirmed among Argentina’s attacking options, ensuring strong local interest for the Miami fixture.
Familiar faces return
All of Argentina’s regular Europe-based stars are included, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández returning after serving a two-match suspension that ruled him out of September’s internationals. Franco Mastantuono, now fully integrated into the senior setup since his move to Real Madrid, also keeps his place.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, despite fitness concerns following Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa League clash against Feyenoord, has been included as well.
Scaloni’s surprise picks
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has handed first-time call-ups to three players while recalling Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi after a long absence from the national setup.
Among the debutants is 28-year-old goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, whose standout form for Racing Club a semifinalist in this year’s Copa Libertadores has earned him a place alongside Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, and Walter Benítez in the goalkeeping department.
Another newcomer is Lautaro Rivero, a 21-year-old centre-back from River Plate. Having made his professional debut only last year, Rivero has quickly established himself as one of Argentina’s most promising defensive talents.
The third addition is Aníbal Moreno, a midfielder developed at Newell’s Old Boys and formerly of Racing Club, who now plays for Palmeiras. His strong performances for the Brazilian club, also in the Copa Libertadores semifinals, have convinced Scaloni to bring him into the national fold.
Full Argentina squad for October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, Facundo Cambeses
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Lautaro Rivero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Aníbal Moreno, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Paz, Giovanni Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Franco Mastantuono
Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
