Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina, joining the national squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador, following his recovery from a muscle injury. A total of 31 players, including Messi, were called up for the squad announced on August 18. This selection emphasizes both established stars and promising young talents. Notable young inclusions are Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri, Porto midfielder Alan Varela, and Franco Mastantuono, who recently joined Real Madrid. Coach Lionel Scaloni also called up Jose Manuel Lopez from Brazilian club Palmeiras for his first national team appearance.
Messi recently resumed training with Inter Miami and played for the club last week, helping them secure a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy. The 38-year-old captain was notably absent from Argentina’s squad for matches against Colombia in June due to similar injury concerns.
Argentina will face Venezuela on September 4 at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, followed by an away match against Ecuador in Guayaquil five days later. The team is competing for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The full squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers includes:
**Goalkeepers:** Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli
**Defenders:** Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Julio Soler, Facundo Medina
**Midfielders:** Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo de Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Carboni
**Forwards:** Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez.
