Argentina have named three new faces in their squad for the upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, including midfielder Aníbal Moreno, defender Lautaro Rivero, and goalkeeper Facundo.
The squad also includes captain Lionel Messi and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who returns after serving a suspension.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced the 28-man squad on Friday for the friendlies in the United States.
Marcos Senesi also returns to the national team after a long absence. The 28-year-old defender has played only one match for Argentina, back in June 2022.
Aníbal Moreno, also 28, currently plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras, while 21-year-old Rivero represents his hometown club River Plate. Facundo, 28, plays for Argentine club Racing.
The World Champions will face Venezuela on October 10 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and Puerto Rico on October 13 at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
However, there is uncertainty over whether Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul will feature against Venezuela, as Inter Miami have a Major League Soccer match against Atlanta United the following day.
Regarding the chances of Messi and De Paul playing, Miami coach Javier Mascherano said on Friday, “We are discussing this issue now, you will know soon.”
Argentina finished the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on top of the standings, earning 38 points from 18 matches with 12 wins and 2 draws.
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace), Facundo (Racing)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Lautaro Rivero (River Plate), Marcos Acuña (River Plate), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Aníbal Moreno (Palmeiras), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Nicolás Paz (Como), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Nicolás González (Juventus), Julián Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), José Manuel López (Palmeiras)
