OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for the September international break.
A rejuvenated 31-man squad has been announced by coach Lionel Scaloni for the final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Fixtures are scheduled against Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on 4 September, followed by an away fixture against Ecuador in Guayaquil on 9 September .
The squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent: Lionel Messi leads the attack alongside familiar names such as Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Correa, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul. Meanwhile, rising stars Claudio Echeverri, Alan Varela, Franco Mastantuono and forward José Manuel ‘Flaco’ López—called up for the first time—offer exciting new dimensions to the team .
Though Argentina has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup—with a commanding lead at the top of the CONMEBOL table—Scaloni is pressing for a strong finish to the campaign by integrating fresh faces into the ranks .
