Lionel Messi will once again lead Argentina as coach Lionel Scaloni unveiled a refreshed 31-man squad on Monday for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was notably left out of the squad after receiving a red card in Argentina’s previous match against Colombia in June.
While the Albiceleste have already secured their place at the 2026 tournament, Scaloni has seized the chance to look ahead. With Argentina comfortably atop the South American standings on 35 points, the September window offers the perfect stage to blood new talent while keeping the world champions sharp.
Manchester City forward Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela, Real Madrid’s 16-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono and Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez are the standout additions. For the newcomers, sharing the stage with veterans such as Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez promises an invaluable learning curve.
Argentina will host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on 4 September before travelling to Guayaquil to face Ecuador five days later. For Scaloni, the fixtures provide not only competitive tests but also an opportunity to integrate the next generation alongside Messi, the team’s enduring leader.
Ones to watch
Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City, forward, 19)
Dubbed “El Diablito” (the Little Devil), Echeverri lit up the Under-17 World Cup last year with his pace and sharp finishing. After his move to Manchester City from River Plate, he is seen as one of the brightest attacking prospects in South American football. Scaloni’s call-up underlines Argentina’s intent to fast-track his development.
Alan Varela (Porto, midfielder, 24)
Formerly of Boca Juniors, Varela has settled quickly in Europe with Porto, where his composure and distribution in defensive midfield have drawn comparisons to Fernando Redondo. A deep-lying playmaker with bite, his inclusion suggests Scaloni is already considering long-term successors to Leandro Paredes.
Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid, midfielder, 18)
The youngest name in the squad and already one of the most talked-about prospects in Argentina, Mastantuono has just made the bold leap from River Plate to Real Madrid. Blessed with quick feet and vision well beyond his years, his rise has been meteoric. For now, Scaloni is expected to ease him in carefully, but his talent makes him impossible to ignore.
Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras, striker, 24)
Powerful in the air and clinical inside the box, Lopez has made his mark in Brazil’s top flight since joining Palmeiras from Lanús. His first senior call-up is recognition of consistent form and his ability to offer a physical presence up front, contrasting with the movement of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
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