Lionel Messi included in Argentina’s preliminary squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers vs Venezuela & Ecuador; Garnacho not picked

Argentina will face Venezuela and Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina’s preliminary squad for the forthcoming double round of the South American 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has been announced and marks the return of star player Lionel Messi.

The skipper is now fully fit and prepared to return to the national team after missing the matches against Uruguay and Brazil because of an adductor injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami.

Argentina, which have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will play Ecuador (September 9) and Venezuela (September 4), so his return will be vital.

After regaining his fitness and form, Messi has looked impressive in the US, and his comeback greatly benefits Lionel Scaloni’s team. In what seems to be an extremely competitive window of qualifications, the star forward will once again lead the defending world champions.

Remember that this is merely a preliminary squad. Scaloni has made it clear that the final list would only include people who are completely prepared, both mentally and physically. Recovery and rotation are important considerations because many players are also participating in the Club World Cup.

Nevertheless, Argentina enters this double day of qualifications not just with confidence but also with the knowledge that their leader will be playing again, thanks to Messi’s return.

Argentina’s preliminary squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers vs Venezuela and Ecuador

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)

Defenders: Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Marcos Acuna (River Plate), Julio Soler (Bournemouth), Facundo Medina (Marseille)

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Leverkusen), Alan Varela (Porto), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Paz (Como), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City)

Forwards: Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Valentin Carboni (Genoa), Angel Correa (UANL), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras)

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