The Argentina National Team play again for South American Qualifiers for the World of 2026, after the excitement of the title in the Copa America 2024. The coach of the national team, Lionel Scaloniis starting another dream. And this Monday, he confirmed the list of players called up for the next qualifying round, against Chile and Colombia. And with several surprises: among them, the absence of Lionel Messi.
«Coach Lionel Scaloni has made a new call-up for the double date of the qualifiers in September. These are the ones who have been called up! Let’s go, National Team!»confirmed the Argentine National Team’s social media account. And there the list of players was revealed, which does not include Messi and also has several surprises.
Messi seriously injured one of his ankles during the 2024 Copa América final against Colombia. Although the forward is recovering, he has not yet played again with the Inter Miamiwhich is why Scaloni does not take him into account for the next double date of qualifiers, which will find Argentina facing Chile on September 5th and Colombia on the 10th.
It doesn’t appear on the list either Angel Di Mariaconfirming his decision to say goodbye to the Argentine National Team after the Copa America. And he is not listed either Franco Armanianother world champion. «Armani is not here because he is probably already part of the replacement. He closed his cycle with the national team in the last Copa America»said Juan Cortese on TyC Sports.
Among other notable absentees is River’s new star signing, Marcos Acunawho will leave Seville to play for the Millonario that he manages Marcelo Gallardo. But surprisingly he is not on Scaloni’s list. Neither Lucas Martinez Wednesday y Exequiel Palaciosother champions in the Copa America. As well as Paulo Dybalawhich had not already been on the list.
Among the income, the novelty of Equi Fernandezthe former player of Boca who will continue his career in Saudi Arabia. Also the presence of young people like Matias Soule y Julian Simeonone of the sons of Cholo Simeonewho comes from being part of the Argentine National Team in the Olympics. And the forward Valentin Castellanos.
Scaloni’s squad for the qualifiers
Archers
Walter Benítez
Geronimo Rulli
Juan Musso
Emiliano Martinez
Defenders
Nahuel Molina
Christian Romero
German Pezzella
Leonardo Balerdi
Nicolas Otamendi
Lisandro Martinez
Nicolás Tagliafico
Valentin Boat
Midfielders
Leandro Paredes
Guido Rodriguez
Alexis Mac Allister
Enzo Fernandez
Young Lo Celso
Ezequiel Fernandez
Rodrigo De Paul
Forwards
Nicolas Gonzalez
Alejandro Garnacho
Matias Soule
Julian Simeon
Valentin Carboni
Julian Alvarez
Lautaro Martinez
Valentin Castellanos