Buenos Aires, Argentina (BN24) – Lionel Scaloni has unveiled Argentina’s final 28-man squad for the last two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, with veterans and rising stars alike set to feature. Lionel Messi leads the group that will face Venezuela at home on September 4 before traveling to Ecuador on September 9 for their final qualifier.
Although Argentina has already secured top spot in South America’s 10-team qualifying standings, head coach Lionel Scaloni continues to treat the matches with full competitive seriousness, while also using the opportunity to assess new and fringe players. The two fixtures mark the conclusion of an 18-match marathon leading into the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The inclusion of 38-year-old Messi ensures a strong leadership presence as the squad aims to maintain its momentum. The Inter Miami forward is joined by one of Argentina’s most talked-about young prospects, 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono, who continues his rapid rise after an impressive run with River Plate. The teenager will be hoping to earn minutes in either of the two matches as Scaloni balances experience and youth in a low-pressure environment.
Among the notable absentees are midfielder Enzo Fernández, who misses out due to suspension following a red card, and Facundo Medina, ruled out with an ankle injury. Also missing is Ángel Correa, a surprising omission given his standout form for Tigres in Liga MX. Scaloni did not provide an explanation for Correa’s absence after he was initially named in the preliminary 31-man roster.
The final squad, reduced to 28 players, will be trimmed further to 23 on each matchday, in accordance with FIFA regulations. With qualification already assured, Scaloni is expected to rotate heavily between the two matches, allowing younger players to gain valuable international experience without sacrificing the team’s competitive edge.
The match against Venezuela will serve as Argentina’s final qualifier on home soil, potentially marking another special moment for fans hoping to see Messi play in front of a home crowd during a World Cup campaign. Five days later, the Albiceleste will wrap up qualification with a visit to high-altitude Quito to face Ecuador.
With depth, youth, and senior leadership in the squad, Scaloni’s choices reflect both continuity and transition as Argentina prepares to defend its world title in 2026.
| Player | Position | Club |
| Walter Benitez | GK | Crystal Palace (ENG) |
| Emiliano Martinez | GK | Aston Villa (ENG) |
| Geronimo Rulli | GK | Olympique Marseille (FRA) |
| Marcos Acuna | DEF | River (ARG) |
| Leonardo Balerdi | DEF | Olympique Marseille (FRA) |
| Juan Foyth | DEF | Villarreal (ESP) |
| Nahuel Molina | DEF | Atletico de Madrid (ESP) |
| Gonzalo Montiel | DEF | River (ARG) |
| Nicolas Otamendi | DEF | Benfica (POR) |
| Cristian Romero | DEF | Tottenham (ENG) |
| Julio Soler | DEF | Bournemouth (ENG) |
| Nicolas Tagliafico | DEF | Lyon (FRA) |
| Thiago Almada | MID | Lyon (FRA) |
| Rodrigo De Paul | MID | Inter Miami (USA) |
| Claudio Echeverri | MID | Manchester City (ENG) |
| Giovani Lo Celso | MID | Betis (ESP) |
| Alexis Mac Allister | MID | Liverpool (ENG) |
| Exequiel Palacios | MID | Bayer Leverkusen (GER) |
| Leandro Paredes | MID | Boca Juniors (ARG) |
| Nicolás Paz | MID | Como (ITA) |
| Giuliano Simeone | MID | Atletico de Madrid (ESP) |
| Alan Varela | MID | Porto (POR) |
| Nicolas Gonzalez | MID | Juventus (ITA) |
| Julian Alvarez | FWD | Atlético de Madrid (ESP) |
| Juan Manuel Lopez | FWD | Palmeiras (BRA) |
| Lautaro Martinez | FWD | Inter (ITA) |
| Franco Mastantuono | FWD | River Plate (ARG) |
| Lionel Messi | FWD | Inter Miami (USA) |
