Argentina Squad: Lionel Messi Returns, Surprise Call-Up for Serie A Star

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Lionel Messi has rejoined the Argentina squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Messi had to sit out last month’s international window due to an ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia in July.

In his absence, Lionel Scaloni’s team secured a 3-0 home victory over Chile but later suffered a 2-1 loss to Colombia in Barranquilla.

After a period on the sidelines, Messi made his highly anticipated return last month in Inter Miami’s home match against Philadelphia Union. The Argentine star marked his comeback by scoring two goals and providing an assist, leading his team to a 3-1 win in his first game back after a two-month injury break.

Argentina squad

Messi Recalled to Argentina Squad

After his return to action with Inter Miami, Messi has made three more appearances for the MLS side, playing against Atlanta United, New York City, and Charlotte FC.

In the recent home game against Charlotte FC, the 37-year-old played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial equalizer in the 67th minute to level the score at 1-1 after Karol Swiderski’s opener.

With his fitness now confirmed, Lionel Scaloni has recalled Messi to the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. La Albiceleste will travel to face Venezuela on October 10, followed by a home fixture against Bolivia in Buenos Aires on October 15.

Paz Earns First Argentina Call-Up

While Messi’s return to the Argentina squad was anticipated, the selection of Como attacker Nicolás Paz has raised some eyebrows.

The 20-year-old has caught the attention of coach Lionel Scaloni following his strong performances since moving from Real Madrid to the Italian club this summer. Paz has played in all five Serie A games for Cesc Fabregas’ side, contributing three assists in his last two matches, which helped Como secure back-to-back wins.

In addition to Paz, Scaloni has called up goalkeepers Walter Benítez, Juan Musso, and Gerónimo Rulli to cover for the absence of usual first-choice Emiliano Martínez. The Aston Villa goalkeeper is serving a two-match ban from FIFA due to incidents in September’s international window.

Argentina squad

Argentina Squad in Full for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

  • Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven)
  • Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
  • Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille)

Defenders:

  • Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla)
  • Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
  • Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
  • Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille)
  • Germán Pezzella (River Plate)
  • Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
  • Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
  • Marcos Acuña (River Plate)
  • Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders:

  • Leandro Paredes (Roma)
  • Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
  • Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
  • Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
  • Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
  • Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
  • Thiago Almada (Botafogo)

Attackers:

  • Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
  • Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
  • Nicolás González (Juventus)
  • Paulo Dybala (Roma)
  • Nicolás Paz (Como)
  • Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
  • Julián Álvarez (Atletico Madrid)
  • Valentín Carboni (Marseille)

This squad, featuring a mix of experienced veterans like Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, alongside promising young talents like Nicolás Paz and Alejandro Garnacho, will represent Argentina in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Q&A

Q: Who has been recalled to the Argentina squad for the World Cup qualifiers?
A: Lionel Messi has been recalled to the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers after recovering from injury.

Q: Which Serie A player earned a surprise call-up to the Argentina squad?
A: Nicolás Paz, who plays for Como in Serie A, earned a surprise call-up after impressing with his recent performances.

Q: When and who will Argentina face in the World Cup qualifiers?
A: Argentina will play Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.

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