Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina to join the national squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Recovering from a muscle injury, Messi will participate in matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.
The 31-man squad, announced on August 18, features a blend of experienced players and promising young talents. Notable new call-ups include Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), Alan Varela (Porto), and Franco Mastantuono (recently transferred to Real Madrid). Coach Lionel Scaloni also summoned José Manuel López from Brazilian club Palmeiras for his first national team appearance.
Messi recently returned to training with Inter Miami after his injury and played last week, helping his club secure a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy. The 38-year-old captain had previously missed Argentina’s matches against Colombia in June due to a similar injury.
Argentina will face Venezuela at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4, before traveling to Guayaquil to play Ecuador five days later. Argentina has already secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
**Argentina Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:**
* **Goalkeepers:** Emiliano Martínez, Walter Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli
* **Defenders:** Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolás Tagliafico, Marcos Acuña, Julio Soler, Facundo Medina
* **Midfielders:** Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolás Paz, Rodrigo de Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentín Carboni
* **Forwards:** Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López
