Buenos Aires – The Argentine National Football Team has revealed its list of players called up for the friendly against Guatemala, marking the return of its captain, Lionel Messi, and the inclusion of new talents, in a crucial match as preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has officially announced the squad for the match to be played on March 31st at La Bombonera, an event that will serve as a farewell for the albiceleste team before the World Cup tournament.
What’s New in the Call
Among the main surprises, the call-up of the young Gianluca Prestianni stands out, as well as the first call-ups of defenders Tomás Palacios and Gabriel Rojas, evidencing Scaloni’s strategy of expanding the options in defense.
The list maintains the core of the world champion team, with figures like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as references like Leandro Paredes, Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel, who currently play in Argentine football.
Notable Absences
Regarding absences, Lautaro Martínez and Lisandro Martínez were not called up due to injuries. Franco Mastantuono was also not included in this stage with the national team.
The match against Guatemala takes on significant importance, as it could be one of Messi’s last matches with the national team on Argentine soil, depending on his participation in future friendly matches prior to the World Cup.
The Albiceleste is part of Group J of the World Cup, along with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, and will debut on June 16 in Kansas City.
Before the start of the tournament, Scaloni’s team plans to play at least two additional friendlies on US soil, fine-tuning details for the defense of the title.
With this call, Argentina combines experience and youth in search of reaching the maximum appointment of world football in optimal conditions.
