Scaloni Names Lopez from Palmeiras to National Squad for the First Time

Argentina’s national team has announced its updated 31-player roster, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, for the upcoming South American World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.

Alongside veteran captain Messi, the squad includes rising Argentine stars such as Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri, Porto’s Alan Varela, and recent Real Madrid acquisition Franco Mastantuono.

Head Coach Lionel Scaloni has also given a first-time call-up to striker Jose Manuel Lopez, who plays for Brazilian club Palmeiras.

Argentina is scheduled to face Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 4, followed by a trip to Guayaquil to compete against Ecuador five days later.

Having already secured their place in the World Cup, the Albiceleste lead the qualifying group with 35 points, a significant 10-point margin over Ecuador and Brazil, who hold second and third positions, respectively.

Argentina Squad:

  • Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, and Geronimo Rulli
  • Defenders: Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Julio Soler, and Facundo Medina
  • Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, and Valentin Carboni
  • Forwards: Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julián Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Jose Manuel Lopez