Lionel Messi Returns as Argentina Unveils Shocking November Squad with Four Unexpected Names for Angola Friendly

As the 2025 calendar edges closer to its closing chapters, Argentina gears up for just one last hurrah — a friendly staged far from home against Angola in Luanda on November 14. But here’s the kicker: rather than doubling down with a second match in this oddball international window, the squad opts to hunker down and refine their craft under the Spanish sun. Oh, and don’t expect Lionel Messi to sit this one out; he’s right there in the lineup, ready to weave his magic once again. However, no squad run is ever without quirks — Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is notably taking a well-earned break, opening doors for fresh talent to strut their stuff. A handful of unexpected names like Maximo Perrone and Gianluca Prestianni are making their cases, bringing a breath of fresh air ahead of what promises to be a fascinating expedition for La Albiceleste. Intriguing, right? For the full scoop, LEARN MORE.

Argentina have only one match remaining in 2025. They will visit Angola on November 14 in Luanda during an unusual international break — instead of using the second available date for another game, the team will spend that time training in Spain. Lionel Messi is included in the squad.

On Thursday, Argentina revealed the list of players called up by head coach Lionel Scaloni. It features some notable absences, most prominently Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who will not join the team this time and will instead be given rest.

Among those selected, four surprise names stand out. One is Maximo Perrone, a midfielder for Como 1907. Another is Valentin Barco, a left-back for French club RC Strasbourg, who has delivered strong performances this season in Ligue 1. His teammate there, forward Joaquin Panichelli, is another new addition.

In addition, Gianluca Prestianni has received his first senior national team call-up after impressing with Benfica and, most notably, during the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The winger was one of Argentina’s standout performers on their run to the final, where they fell to Morocco.

Argentina absentees for the Angola friendly

Emiliano Martinez is undoubtedly the most important player missing from Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the November international break. The goalkeeper has been a key piece for Argentina since their 2021 Copa America title, to the point of having completely locked down the position in recent years.

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As a result, the match against Angola will serve as an ideal opportunity for the coach to test other options between the posts. The goalkeepers called up this time are Olympique Marseille’s Geronimo Rulli and Crystal Palace’s Walter Benitez, although one more could still be added.

That’s because the list announced on Thursday does not include players currently competing in the Argentine league. This explains the absence of regular call-ups such as River Plate’s Gonzalo Montiel and Boca Juniors’ Leandro Paredes. Racing Club goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, who was part of the squad during the October international break, could also be added.

Finally, another notable absentee is one of Europe’s rising stars: Franco Mastantuono. The Real Madrid winger had been included in Scaloni’s recent squads but will miss this international break due to a groin injury that has bothered him in recent weeks.

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Argentina’s reported plans for November

The Argentina national team will be based in Spain for the November international break. As players finish their respective club matches this weekend, they will travel there to begin training under head coach Lionel Scaloni.

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According to reports, the plan is to travel to Luanda shortly before the friendly against Angola and, once that match is over, return to Spain. With the cancellation of the scheduled match in India, Argentina will not play again during this window. Instead, they will use the remaining days to focus on tactical and strategic training that could prove useful in the future.

However, given that some clubs are entering decisive stages of their seasons, certain players may be granted permission to leave camp after the Angola match. That could be the case for local-league players, as well as Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who are competing in the Major League Soccer playoffs with Inter Miami.