Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina to join the national squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.
The 31-man Argentina squad, including Messi, was announced on August 18. The roster combines experienced players with emerging young talents. Notable inclusions are Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), Alan Varela (Porto), and Franco Mastantuono, who recently moved to Real Madrid. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also called up José Manuel López from Brazilian club Palmeiras for his first national team appearance.
Messi recently resumed training with Inter Miami after recovering from a muscle injury. He played for the club last week in the US, helping them secure a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy. The 38-year-old captain was previously excluded from Argentina’s squad for matches against Colombia in June due to similar injuries.
Argentina will play Venezuela at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4, before traveling to Guayaquil to face Ecuador five days later. Argentina has already secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The full Argentina squad for the 2026 South America World Cup qualifiers includes:
* **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
