Argentina begins life without Lionel Messi and these are the players taking over

• Head coach Lionel Scaloni calls up a twenty eight player squad for November friendly fixtures.

• The selection balances established European stars with emerging young talents for the new cycle.

• Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez makes the roster following successful jaw surgery recovery.

The Argentine Football Association has officially released its twenty eight player roster for the upcoming November international friendly matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica. This selection holds immense historic significance as it represents the first national team squad assembled following the formal international retirement of legendary captain Lionel Messi. Head coach Lionel Scaloni now begins the practical work of reshaping the tactical structure of the national team as the world champions transition into a new competitive era.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Selección Argentina (@afaseleccion)

Goalkeeping stability and defensive reinforcements

A key highlight of the roster announcement is the inclusion of veteran goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who returns to international duty following jaw surgery sustained in domestic club action. To maintain positional depth, Scaloni has named three additional goalkeepers, including rising prospect Santiago Beltrán. The defensive unit features a mix of physical presence and youth, led by Lisandro Martínez, Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel, alongside twenty one year old defender Aaron Anselmino receiving his debut senior call up.

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Emerging midfield and attacking leadership

The central options and forward line reflect a deliberate effort to empower the next generation of Argentine talent. Established international performers such as Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez are set to assume greater leadership roles on and off the pitch. Meanwhile, dynamic young attackers including Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni, Matías Soulé, and Thiago Almada provide the squad with creative depth and technical agility ahead of upcoming international tournaments.

Transitioning into a post retirement narrative

This friendly window serves as the practical launchpad for Argentina following Messi final international appearance in Buenos Aires. Without the legendary playmaker directing operations on the pitch, the current roster carries the collective duty of sustaining the competitive intensity that defined the program recent trophy winning era. The upcoming exhibition games will allow coaching staff to test fresh tactical combinations and evaluate how new additions integrate into the established national team framework.

Cover photos from: @afaseleccion