FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina’s national team, captained by Lionel Messi, presented a revised 31-man roster on Monday for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in South America against Ecuador and Venezuela.
Messi missed a 4-1 loss to Florida rivals Orlando City in Major League Soccer and a victory over Pumas UNAM in the same competition after he hurt a muscle in his right leg during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2.
After returning as a substitute on Saturday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made an instant impression, helping Miami defeat the LA Galaxy 3-1 with goals and assists.
Additionally, striker Jose Manuel Lopez from Palmeiras, a Brazilian team, was called up for the first time by coach Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina will play to Guayaquil to play Ecuador five days after playing Venezuela at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on September 4.
The “Albiceleste,” who have already earned a spot in the World Cup, are leading the qualifiers with 35 points, 10 points clear of Ecuador in second position and Brazil in third.
Argentina Squad
Goalkeepers: Geronimo Rulli, Walter Benitez, and Emiliano Martinez
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Julio Soler, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, and Nicolas Otamendi.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Carboni, Alexis Mac Allister, and Exequiel Palacios.
Forwards: Claudio Echeverri, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julián Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Lionel Messi.