Sport · Singapore Bureau
Scaloni unveils Argentina squad for first tests without Messi
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has named a 28-player squad for November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, marking his first squad selection since Lionel Messi's retirement from international football.
LSN Singapore ·
Scaloni announced the squad on Tuesday as Argentina prepares for a new chapter following Messi's departure from the international stage. The squad will compete in two matches this month, facing Uruguay first before taking on Costa Rica in what represents a significant transition for the South American powerhouse.
The squad announcement comes as Argentina looks to maintain its competitive edge following its Copa America victory earlier this year. Scaloni's selection of 28 players provides flexibility as the team evaluates options across multiple positions in preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Argentina's matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica will offer insights into how the squad adapts to life without Messi, who retired from international duty after an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades. The friendlies will serve as valuable preparation ahead of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, which resume in the coming months.
The November fixtures represent an opportunity for younger players and emerging talents to stake their claim in Scaloni's plans. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the coach will use these matches to build cohesion and identify the personnel needed to sustain Argentina's competitiveness at the highest level.