With a leading presence in the South American position and Qualification that is already secured for FIFA -VM 2026The Argentina’s national team Prepares for their final competitive fixtures before the tournament. Albiceleste will face Chile on June 6 in Santiago and Colombia on June 11 In Buenos Aires – two games that may not change Argentina’s fate but can greatly affect the qualification hopes of others.
But as a coach Lionel Scaloni Released the preliminary list for these crucial matches, the big question in everyone’s mind was simple: Will the squad include the iconic captain who returns from injury?
On Thursday the Argentine Football Association published Preliminary squad listWith 29 players – all currently playing abroad. The squad is a mixture of familiar names from 2022 World Cup triumph and promising young talents who still cut out their place in the older installation.
Veterans like Emiliano MartinezThe Cristian RomeroThe Rodrigo de PaulThe Enzo FernandzAnd star Julian Alvarez is all present, which reinforces the core that drove Argentina in honor of Qatar. But there is also renewed possibility for young people, with Alejandro garnacho and Valentin Barco returns to the fold. Garnacho’s form on Manchester United and Barco’s resuscitation at Strasbourg seems to have got them a new look.
The introduction of names like Young Lo CelsoThe Nicolas DominguezThe Valentin Castellanosand Nicolas Paz Also suggests a vision for both current stability and future adaptability.
Is Lionel Messi back?
Then came the disclosure that answered the most pressing question of all: Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad.
The 37-year-old captain had missed March’s high-profile qualifying against Uruguay and Brazil because of one Left adductor injury. At that time, his absence was a battle, but Argentina’s ability to dominate even without their talisman showed how well rounded the team has become.
Now fully recovered and in strong form with From MiamiThe Messi returns to the national team For what might be one of his last stretches of competition international matches before 2026.
Remarkable absence and final cuts coming
While Messi’s return made headlines, there were several surprising omission. German PezzellaThe Marcos Acunaand Gonzalo Montiel was left out –Only Montiel because of injurywhile the others seem to have been dropped for form or tactical reasons.
More surprising was Absence of Bologna’s Santiago Castro and Benjamin DominguezFresh of an Italian cup victory. Their omission, despite the club’s success, suggests that Scaloni prioritizes tactical cohesion over short -term form.
Another name is missing is Paulo DybalaWho continues to recover after thigh surgery in March. Although they are extremely gifted, his persistent fitness issues have again kept him from national service.
Scaloni is expected Complete the squad closer to match datewith the potential inclusion of domestic league players. The final list depends on fitness, form and the physical requirements of a long season Settlement in Europe.
#Selectionmayor The prelist for foreign call to the double FIFA date for qualifying 🇦🇷
