Kathmandu [Nepal], November 4 – Argentina have announced a national squad without Lionel Messi for the first time in 21 years marking a significant moment for the country’s football team.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni left the veteran forward out of his preliminary squad for upcoming international friendlies. Messi made his international debut for Argentina in 2005 and has remained a central figure in the team ever since.
The squad announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) includes several established players such as Emiliano Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Paz.
Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Tagliafico, Thiago Almada and Matias Soule have also been named.
Messi’s absence signals a possible transition towards a new generation of Argentine players raising questions about how Scaloni will shape the team without its long-time leader.
Under Messi’s leadership, Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
