Messi Returns as Scaloni Names Final Argentina Squad for September Matches

Defending champions Argentina have finalized their squad for the final two matches of the World Cup qualifiers, keeping fans and football enthusiasts eager for the upcoming clashes. As the first Latin American team to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, the Albiceleste will take on Venezuela and Ecuador in September. Head coach Lionel Scaloni had announced a preliminary squad on August 18, and after careful consideration, the final roster has been released, with a few notable changes from the earlier list. Defender Facundo Medina and forward Ángel Correa, both previously part of Argentina’s starting line-up, have been omitted from the main squad. The exclusion of Medina comes as a slight surprise, considering he featured in the starting XI last June and could have been a replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who was sidelined due to injury. However, Medina had to withdraw at the last minute, leaving Scaloni to rely on the remaining defensive options. In contrast, José Manuel López, who received his first-ever call-up to the national team, has earned a spot, reflecting Argentina’s blend of experience and youth in this final squad.

Lionel Messi, who had recovered from injury, returned to the preliminary squad and has now been confirmed in the final selection. His presence is expected to bolster Argentina’s attacking strength, and there is speculation that the match against Venezuela could be his last international appearance on home soil. Several familiar faces, however, have been left out. Enzo Fernández, who was red-carded in Argentina’s previous qualifier against Colombia in June, is serving a suspension and thus has not been called up. Paulo Dybala also misses out due to his inability to recover fully from injury, while Nicolas Dominguez, Valentin Berco, Enzo Barenchia, Alejandro Garnacho, and Valentina Castellanos have similarly been excluded from the squad. These decisions underscore Scaloni’s careful balancing of fitness, form, and tactical requirements for the final matches of the qualification campaign.

The squad also introduces several promising young talents. Manchester City’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri, Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Franco Mastantuano, and Palmeiras’ Argentine striker José Manuel López have all been called up for the first time. Their inclusion points to Argentina’s commitment to integrating emerging talent alongside established stars. Alongside Messi, forwards Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Nicolas González, and Guiliano Simeone provide formidable attacking options, while midfielders such as Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovanni Lo Celso, Thiago Almada, and Alexis Mac Allister will manage transitions and control in the middle of the park. Defensively, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Juan Foyth, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcus Acuña, Julio Soler, and Gonzalo Montiel make up a versatile backline capable of handling both home and away challenges.

Argentina has already secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reflecting their dominance in South America. Currently at the top of the 10-team CONMEBOL points table with 35 points from 16 matches, they head into the final fixtures with confidence. The team will face Venezuela at home on September 4 before traveling to Ecuador on September 9 for the last group match. These games will not only test Argentina’s depth and adaptability but also offer a platform for young talents like Echeverri, Mastantuano, and López to make their mark on the international stage.

Overall, Scaloni’s final squad showcases a mix of experience, leadership, and youthful energy. With Messi back in action, the return of seasoned midfielders and defenders, and the introduction of promising newcomers, Argentina appears well-prepared to close out their qualification campaign strongly while providing fans with memorable performances. The combination of tactical flexibility, star power, and emerging talent ensures that Argentina remains a dominant force in South American football heading into the 2026 World Cup.