The coach of the Argentine National Team has confirmed the list of players selected for the upcoming double date of the qualifiers.
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A new pause is approaching in Argentine football due to the double FIFA date in October. River will play against Platense in the Professional League next Sunday and will then have two weeks off. Meanwhile, the Argentine National Team will resume its campaign for the 2026 World Cup: Dates 9 and 10 of the South American qualifiers will take place.
The Albiceleste will face Venezuela on Thursday, October 10, at 6:00 p.m. and will then host Bolivia at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, October 15, at 9:00 p.m. Looking ahead to both matches, Lionel Scaloni confirmed the squad this afternoon, which will be missing Draw Martínez due to suspension, but welcoming back Lionel Messi.
With regards to River, two players have been selected who were also included in the last call-up: Germán Pezzella and Marcos Acuña. Both will miss the training week (and the possibility of a potential friendly) under Marcelo Gallardo’s management and will be waiting to accumulate minutes in one of the games with Scaloni.
Additionally, there are four former River players who are regular selections for Scaloni when assembling the squad: Cachete Montiel, Exequiel Palacios (who was absent from the last call-up), Enzo Fernández, and Julián Álvarez. A notable inclusion is the name of Nico Paz, the ex-Real Madrid player currently playing for Como in Italy.
Players selected for Argentina vs. Venezuela and Bolivia
Which players were excluded from the list?
Regarding the latest squad, Valentín Barco (Sevilla), Equi Fernández (Al Qadsiah), Valentín Castellanos (Lazio), Matías Soulé (AS Roma), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), and Guido Rodríguez (West Ham) were not included.
Argentina National Team Roster for Upcoming FIFA Qualifiers
A new international break is on the horizon as the Argentine National Team gears up for the double FIFA date in October. Coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the squad set to compete in the crucial South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This article provides a comprehensive look at the roster, the fixtures, and some notable changes from recent selections.
Upcoming Matches
The Argentine team is scheduled to play two key matches:
- October 10: Argentina vs. Venezuela (6:00 PM ART) – Away
- October 15: Argentina vs. Bolivia (9:00 PM ART) – Home at Monumental Stadium
Confirmed Roster for Argentina National Team
Here’s the full list of players summoned for the upcoming matches against Venezuela and Bolivia:
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa |
| Defender | Germán Pezzella | Real Betis |
| Defender | Marcos Acuña | Sevilla |
| Defender | Gonzalo Montiel | Sevilla |
| Midfielder | Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Midfielder | Enzo Fernández | Chelsea |
| Forward | Julián Álvarez | Manchester City |
| Forward | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| Forward | Nicolás Paz | Como (Italy) |
Among the notable inclusions is the return of Lionel Messi, who will be crucial in leading the team against both Venezuela and Bolivia. However, the squad will miss the services of Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez due to suspension, a significant absence for Scaloni’s side.
Key Absentees from the Squad
Every squad selection comes with its share of omissions. Here are the players who did not make the cut for this double date:
- Valentín Barco (Sevilla)
- Equi Fernández (Al Qadsiah)
- Valentín Castellanos (Lazio)
- Matías Soulé (AS Roma)
- Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
- Guido Rodríguez (West Ham)
Player Insights and Expectations
The Argentine National Team is riding high after a successful start to the Qualifiers, and fans are eager to see how the team performs in these upcoming matches. With strong players in both midfield and attack, the pressure will be on the squad to secure points on the road and at home.
Many are particularly keen to witness how Lionel Messi interacts with the younger players like Nicolás Paz, who has made waves in European football with his performances for Como. Scaloni’s strategic blend of experience and youth could prove critical in these tight qualifying matches.
Historical Context: Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina has a rich history in the World Cup, having lifted the trophy twice, in 1978 and 1986. The South American Qualifiers are often fiercely contested, and every match is paramount for teams vying for a spot in the World Cup. With attacks from both rivals and critics alike, players and coaches must navigate the pressure with skill and resilience.
The upcoming matches against Venezuela and Bolivia will not only test the team’s tactical abilities but also their psychological strength. Success can set a positive tone for the rest of the qualifiers, while failure may lead to increased scrutiny.
Conclusion: Looking Forward
As the FIFA Qualifiers approach, football enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement to see what this talented Argentine squad will achieve. With a potent lineup and a mix of seasoned veterans and eager youngsters, Argentina aims to consolidate their position in the qualifying standings.
