In the absence of Lionel Messi, the coach of the Argentine National Team, Lionel Scaloni, announced on Monday the list of 30 footballers called up for the double date of the Qualifiers in September, featuring surprising additions such as Valentín Castellanos, Ezequiel Fernández, and Giuliano Simeone.
Due to a muscle injury sustained since the Copa America final, Messi will be sidelined for the home match against Chile and the away match against Colombia, which are part of the seventh and eighth rounds of the Qualifiers. The star has not yet returned to Inter Miami’s games, so Scaloni has ruled him out for both matches. Other American champions who are not included are Exequiel Palacios, Marcos Acuña, and Lucas Martínez Quarta, along with Ángel Di María and Franco Armani, who have already announced their retirement from the national team.
Among the new names chosen by Scaloni are Castellanos, a Lazio striker who was once courted by Marcelo Gallardo to join River, Equi Fernández, and Giuliano Simeone, both of whom participated in the recent Olympic Games with the Under-23 team. They are also joined by Matías Soulé, a Roma midfielder who has received previous call-ups, as well as Leandro Balerdi and Valentín Barco, both of whom were excluded from the last Copa América squad.
During this double date of Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Argentine national team will host Chile on September 5 and will visit Colombia five days later. In the Qualifiers, Scaloni’s team currently sits in first place with 15 points out of a possible 18, followed by Uruguay with 13 points and Colombia with 12 points.
The full list
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, and Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Valentin Barco.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Fernández, and Rodrigo de Paul.
Forwards: Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Matias Soule, Giuliano Simeone, Valentin Carboni, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Valentin Castellanos.
With the absence of Lionel Messi as the main novelty, the coach of the Argentine National Team, Lionel Scaloni, gave this Monday the list of 30 footballers called up for the double date of the Qualifiers in September, with the call-ups of Valentín Castellanos, Ezequiel Fernández, and Giuliano Simeone as the most surprising names.
Suffering from a muscle injury since the Copa America final, Messi will miss the home games against Chile and the away games against Colombia, corresponding to the seventh and eighth rounds of the Qualifiers. The star has not yet returned to Inter Miami’s matches, so Scaloni will not count on him for both matches. Other American champions who are not mentioned are Exequiel Palacios, Marcos Acuña, and Lucas Martínez Quarta, as well as Ángel Di María and Franco Armani, who had already announced their retirement from the national team.
Among the new names chosen by Scaloni are Castellanos, a Lazio striker who was once tempted by Marcelo Gallardo to join River, Equi Fernández and Giuliano Simeone, two players who participated in the recent Olympic Games with the Under 23 team. They are joined by Matías Soulé, a Roma midfielder who has already had some previous call-ups, and Leandro Balerdi and Valentín Barco, two players who were left out of the Copa América in the last cut.
In this double date of Qualifiers for the United States, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup, the Argentine national team will host Chile on September 5 and five days later will visit Colombia. In the qualifiers, Scaloni’s team is first with 15 points out of a possible 18, and further down are Uruguay, with 13, and Colombia, with 12.
The full list
Archers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, and Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Valentin Barco.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Fernández, and Rodrigo de Paul.
Forwards: Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Matias Soule, Giuliano Simeone, Valentin Carboni, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Valentin Castellanos.
Key Takeaways
- Team Dynamics: The absence of Messi raises questions about how the team will adjust, showcasing the depth of talent in the squad.
- Fresh Faces: Scaloni’s inclusion of young talents like Castellanos and Simeone indicates a commitment to cultivating future stars while maintaining competitive performance.
- Upcoming Matches: Critical fixtures against Chile and Colombia highlight the importance of these Qualifiers in securing a World Cup berth.
- Injury Updates: Keeping track of Messi’s recovery and return could impact team strategy moving forward.
Practical Tips for Argentina’s National Team
As the team prepares for the crucial Qualifiers, here are some practical strategies to enhance performance:
- Emphasize Team Cohesion: With new players being integrated, consistent training and team-building exercises could foster better on-pitch chemistry.
- Focus on Set Pieces: Enhancing skills in set pieces can exploit defensive weaknesses in opponents, especially against teams like Chile and Colombia.
- Data Analytics: Utilizing performance data to analyze upcoming opponents and individual player strengths can provide strategic advantages.
Injuries and Squad Depth
The significance of squad depth will be crucial during this stretch. While Messi’s absence is a major blow, it allows emerging players to seize opportunities. Teams often face injuries, and having a strong bench can relieve pressure in tight situations. Scaloni’s decision to include young talents showcases a proactive approach to building a robust team for future competitions.
Success Stories of Emerging Players
Several players who previously started as surprises have gone on to become stars. For instance, Lautaro Martínez, who debuted to skepticism, is now a key player for both club and country. Such success stories can motivate new recruits to capitalize on their opportunities in the national setup.
Benefits of Team Adaptation
Adapting to player absences like Messi encourages other players to step up, promoting competitive spirit and readiness. This adaptability can turn into a positive team dynamic, which is valuable in high-stakes matches.
Final Thoughts
The Argentine National Team’s journey in the Qualifiers is set against a backdrop of significant changes and challenges. As they navigate through games without their talisman, the emphasis on collective effort and adaptability can pave the way for success. The blend of youth and experience may well prove to be the formula needed to strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
