Argentina Name 28-Man Squad Without Messi for November Games

Argentina have announced their first 28-man squad for international friendlies without Lionel Messi, following the legendary forward’s retirement from international football. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has named the group for upcoming matches against Uruguay on November 13 in Buenos Aires and Costa Rica on November 17 in Córdoba.

The squad marks a new chapter for Argentina after Messi brought his international career to a close last month. His absence means the national team will begin its November fixtures without the player who led the country through one of the most successful periods in its history.

Several familiar names remain in the squad, including Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lisandro Martínez. The selection also features a first international call-up for 21-year-old defender Aaron Anselmino.

Argentina squad includes Emiliano Martínez despite injury absence

One of the notable selections is goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who is included despite not having returned to action for Chelsea following surgery on a jaw injury. The injury occurred during a match against Everton early last month, and his recovery has kept him away from competitive action for the Premier League club.

Scaloni has also selected three other goalkeepers: Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso and Santiago Beltrán. Their inclusion gives Argentina several options in the goalkeeping department ahead of the two November friendlies.

Rulli is also part of the wider group of established players who will be expected to help the team adjust to competing without Messi. The squad combines experienced internationals with younger players looking to establish themselves at senior level.

Aaron Anselmino receives first Argentina call-up

Defender Aaron Anselmino has earned his first call-up to the Argentina senior squad at the age of 21. Chelsea signed the youngster in 2024 in a deal worth $18 million, approximately £13.4 million, and he has since gained experience through loan spells at Boca Juniors, Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg.

Anselmino returned to Chelsea this season but has yet to make an official appearance under manager Xabi Alonso. He also suffered an injury during a friendly against Malaysian side Johor, which has delayed his opportunity to feature in competitive matches.

His selection nevertheless gives him an opportunity to work with the senior national team and potentially make his international debut during the November fixtures.

Enzo Fernández, Lisandro Martínez and Mac Allister named in squad

Argentina’s squad features several players from leading European clubs. Manchester City’s Enzo Fernández has been included, while Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez also returns to the national team group.

Roma are represented by Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi. Chelsea’s Valentín Barco and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister are also back in the squad, alongside Atlético Madrid players Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Juan Musso.

Lyon defender Nicolás Tagliafico has been selected, as have Román Vega of Zenit, Facundo Medina and Ezequiel Fernández of Bayer Leverkusen, and Máximo Perrone of Como.

The squad also includes several players from clubs outside Europe’s major leagues. River Plate’s selections are Thiago Almada, Santiago Beltrán and Gonzalo Montiel. Palmeiras players Agustín Giay and José Manuel López have also been called up.

Other names in the squad include Parma defender Mariano Troilo, Fiorentina’s Franco Mastantuono, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Ipswich Town’s Exequiel Palacios.

Messi’s final Argentina appearance came in a 3-0 win

Messi ended his international career last month with a goal in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. It was the final appearance for the country’s iconic No. 10 after 21 years representing the national team.

His 208th and final game for Argentina also brought his international goal tally to 126. During his remarkable career, Messi won two Copa América titles and the FIFA World Cup, establishing himself as one of the most successful players in the country’s football history.

His departure leaves Argentina without a player who has been central to the team’s identity for more than two decades. The November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica will therefore provide an early opportunity for Scaloni to assess his options and shape the team for the next phase.

Argentina prepare for a new chapter without their iconic captain

Argentina’s November squad reflects a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging talent. Players such as Fernández, Mac Allister, Álvarez and Martínez will remain important figures, while Anselmino’s first call-up offers another young defender a chance to impress.

The fixtures against Uruguay and Costa Rica will be among the first tests of Argentina’s direction following Messi’s international retirement. With the legendary forward no longer part of the squad, Scaloni will have to rely on the depth and quality of his available players as the team moves into a new era.