Messi Leads Argentina Squad for Friendlies Against Venezuela & Puerto Rico

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has announced his squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico during the October break.

The World Cup holders will face Venezuela on October 10 in Miami and Puerto Rico on October 14 in San Juan, continuing their preparations after already securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Leading the squad is Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami superstar, who remains the centerpiece of Scaloni’s selections. 

The squad also includes two exciting young talents: Nico Paz of Italian side Como and Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid.

Regarding the full squad of the team, it is as follows: 

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille), Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace), Facundo Cambeses (Racing Club)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña, Lautaro Rivero (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Aníbal Moreno (Palmeiras), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Nico Paz (Como), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid)

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)