Messi leads Argentina’s revamped squad for Venezuela, Ecuador qualifiers

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s national team unveiled a revamped 31-man squad on Monday, led by Lionel Messi, for the South American qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup.

Alongside captain Messi, the squad features several young Argentine talents, including Manchester City striker Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela, and recent Real Madrid signing Franco Mastantuono.

Coach Lionel Scaloni also called up striker Jose Manuel Lopez from Brazilian club Palmeiras for the first time.

Argentina will play Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4, before traveling to Guayaquil to play Ecuador five days later.

Having already qualified for the World Cup, the “Albiceleste” lead the qualifiers with 35 points, 10 points ahead of Ecuador in second place and Brazil in third.

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Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez and Geronimo Rulli

Defenders: Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Julio Soler and Facundo Medina

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, and Valentin Carboni

Forwards: Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julián Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Jose Manuel Lopez

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Separately, Inter Miami secured a 3-1 win over LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium on Saturday, with contributions primarily from Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

Messi returned from a minor muscle injury and entered the match as a second-half substitute. He scored his team’s second goal in the 84th minute with a powerful left-foot strike from outside the penalty area that put Miami ahead.

Messi’s involvement was vital despite playing only 45 minutes, including creating several scorning opportunities and taking multiple shots.