US EditionJose Manuel Lopez Earns First Argentina Callup for World Cup Qualifiers
Coach Lionel Scaloni includes veteran Messi and rising stars like Franco Mastantuono as Argentina aims to maintain top South American qualifying position for the 2026 World Cup.
- On Aug 18, 2025, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in the preliminary list for CONMEBOL qualifiers against Venezuela at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Sept. 4 and Ecuador in Guayaquil on Sept. 9.
- Already confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina leads South American qualifying after becoming the first team to qualify in March for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- Led by veteran captain Lionel Messi, the squad features Palmeiras striker José Manuel López, Franco Mastantuono, and Claudio Echeverri.
- In Fernández’s absence, Alan Varela, FC Porto midfielder, was selected to replace Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who will miss the qualifiers due to a two-match suspension from June.
- Looking to maintain top position, Argentina plays Venezuela and Ecuador, and even if they lose both games, their standings remain secure.
22 Articles
22 Articles
WC Qualifiers: Messi Leads Revamped Argentine Squad Against Venezuela, Ecuador
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
Messi leads revamped Argentine squad
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 Lop…
Soccer-Messi leads Argentina's revamped squad for Venezuela and Ecuador qualifiers
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -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. Read full story
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