Scaloni Excluded Messi from Argentina's Squad for Brazil, Uruguay Clashes in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

On Monday, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has excluded legendary forward Lionel Messi from the national team squad.

The squad are set to face Brazil and Uruguay in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A total of 26 players have been called up for the matches against Brazil and Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

The full squad are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Walter Benítez

Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, Germán Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Máximo Perrone, Giovanni Simeone, Nicolás Domínguez, Thiago Almada, Nicolás González, Joaquín Correa, Paz

Argentina will face Uruguay on Saturday, followed by a high-profile clash against Brazil on Wednesday, March 26.