Argentina’s Big Surprise for Lionel Messi’s Farewell
Lionel Scaloni has unveiled his squad for a special international window, featuring several returning players and a new face for the future.
The Argentina national team has announced its squad for upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, but this international window will carry significance far beyond the results: it will mark Lionel Messi’s official farewell from La Albiceleste.
The Argentina captain will be available for the matches on September 30 in Córdoba and October 3 and 6 in Buenos Aires. Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia confirmed Messi’s presence and said the goal is to give the No. 10 “the farewell he deserves.”
Lionel Scaloni has retained much of the core that played in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, with Messi and 19 other members of that squad included. However, the roster also provides an early glimpse into Argentina’s future once their iconic captain steps away.
Franco Mastantuono Headlines the Returns
One of the biggest developments is the return of Franco Mastantuono, who is back with Argentina after missing out on the 2026 World Cup squad.
The young attacker has made an impressive start at Fiorentina, where he is currently on loan from Real Madrid, and now gets another opportunity to establish himself with the senior national team.
Leonardo Balerdi and Juan Foyth are also back. Both defenders had been involved in the build-up to the World Cup but ultimately missed the tournament because of injuries.
Scaloni Opens the Door to a New Generation
Mastantuono is not the only youngster being given another opportunity. Agustín Giay, Gianluca Prestianni, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro are also back after previously being called up by Scaloni.
The biggest new face is Román Vega. The Zenit left back receives his first senior Argentina call-up after previously making two appearances for the country’s U23 side in 2024.
Their inclusion alongside established stars such as Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero and Emiliano Martínez points toward the beginning of a transition that will become even more significant once Messi says goodbye.
Argentina’s Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Gerónimo Rulli (Manchester City), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid).
Defenders: Agustín Giay (Palmeiras), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Cristian Romero (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Román Vega (Zenit).
Midfielders: Enzo Fernández (Manchester City), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Valentín Barco (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como), Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás González (Juventus), Matías Soulé (Roma).
Forwards: Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
All eyes will inevitably be on the captain during these three friendlies, but the matches will also offer a glimpse of where the world champions go next. Argentina are preparing to say goodbye to Messi while Scaloni begins shaping the generation that will face life after their legendary No. 10.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi has been called up for the three friendlies that will mark his official farewell from Argentina.
- Franco Mastantuono returns after missing the 2026 World Cup.
- Román Vega earns his first senior call-up, while several other young talents return to Scaloni’s squad.
