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

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.

see also

Lionel Messi headlines Argentina’s launch of new jersey for FIFA World Cup 2026

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.

see also

Argentina National Team TV Schedule

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.

see also

Angola’s fee to play against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in November reportedly revealed

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.

Pages: 1 2 3