Lionel Messi named in Argentina's squad for October international break

Lionel Scaloni’s team will face Bolivia and Venezuela in October’s World Cup qualifying matches.

Argentina have revealed their squad for the next World Cup qualifying matches against Bolivia and Venezuela. Lionel Messi, who hasn’t played for his country since winning the Copa América in July, is making his eagerly anticipated comeback.

The former Barcelona player injured his ankle during the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia and had to be replaced during the game. This also saw the forward miss the club games for two months. But the former Paris Saint-Germain player returned to action and played for Inter Miami recently.

However, goalie Emi Martínez will not be playing since FIFA punished him for making an “inappropriate gesture” that was captured on video.

Lionel Scaloni’s side are currently top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group. They are favourite to finish at the summit of the table. Argentina who won the competition in 2022 after beating France on penalties, later went on to lift 2024 Copa America.

During their September international break, the La Albiceleste won 3-0 against Chile before losing to Colombia 1-0, who are second in the table just two points below.

Scaloni has also called new players for the national team games as well. They will be hoping to make an impact in upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. Below we take a look at the players who have been called up for Argentina‘s October international break matches.

Argentina announce squad for upcoming October international break

Goalkeepers: Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Walter Benitez (PSV)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonaardo Balerdi (Marseille), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (River Plate)

Midfielders: Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Leonardo Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Alisster (Liverpool), Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palaciso (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis),

Forwards: Thiago Almada (Botafogo), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Nicolas Paz (Como), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) Valentino Carboni (Marseille).

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