Messi Leads Argentina in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Argentina, the defending champions of the FIFA World Cup, have announced their squad for the South American qualifying matches. Lionel Messi leads Argentina, as always, and they have some exciting young talents. 

There are rumors that this could potentially be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup, so the superstar might want to win a consecutive World Cup for his country. 

Argentina Squad Filled With Young Talents

It was evident that Argentina would have some big names on the side, but the mixture of youth has given the team a new direction. The most exciting name that keeps popping up is Claudio Echeverri. 

This bright superstar has just joined Manchester City after completing his assignment with the Under 20 Championships. It is a massive moment that at the age of 19 he will be part of the senior team including the legend Messi. 

Other young superstars in the prelim team include Nicolas Paz, Benjamin Dominguez, and Santiago Castro. Fair to say that coach Scaloni wants to build a young team that could replace and take the place of some senior superstars. The list of the new talents that are going to dominate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

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Table Standings and Fixtures at South American Qualifiers

Right before the South American qualifying challenge comes through, Argentina stands with 25 points from 12 matches. Along with that, you will find Uruguay, which is right behind with 20 points of their own. 

Argentina will take on Uruguay on 21st March at the home of Uruguay at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo. Likewise, on 25th March, a significant clash will be against Brazil at the Buenos Aires Monumental Stadium. Argentina will have to play out of their skin to find the win. 

Argentina Squad for South American Qualifying Matches

Lionel Messi leads Argentina, along with the other 32 players included in the preliminary squad. Coach Scaloni has made a conscious decision to choose players with a mixture of youth and experience. 

Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martinez will be the leading goalkeeper. One of the finest to come out of Argentina, Emiliano will have the support of Geronimo Rulli and Walter Benitez as the substitute keepers in the squad. 

Defenders

The list of defenders has been a mixed bag of match experience and some youth power. Nahuel Molina from Atletico Madrid will lead this list. 

Meanwhile, he will have defenders like

• Gonzalo Montiel
• Cristian Romero
• German Pezzella
• Leonardo Balerdi
• Juan Foyth
• Nicolas Otamendi
• Facundo Medina
• Nicols Tagliafico
• Francisco Ortega

Midfielders

The game’s controllers who make the play and push the game forward will be the midfielders. Argentina has given their midfielders special focus, with Alexis Mac Allister leading the midfielder’s charge. 

Other names in the midfielders section include:

• Enzo Fernandez
• Rodrigo de Paul
• Exequiel Palacios
• Leandro Paredes
• Giovani Lo Celso
• Maximo Perrone
• Giuliano Simeone
• Benjamin Dominguez
• Thiago Almada

Forwards

Lionel Messi will lead the strikers or forwards, the massively talked-about section of Argentinian football.

Even though Lionel Messi leads Argentina overall, the charge of forwards and scoring goals will be upon him. Some famous forwards named in the squad are:

• Alejandro Garnacho
• Nicolas Gonzalez
• Nicolas Paz
• Claudio Echeverri
• Paulo Dybala
• Julian Alvarez
• Lautaro Martinez
• Santiago Castro
• Angel Correa

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