Major Surprise in Argentina Squad: Valentín Gómez Included as Messi Prepares for His Farewell Match

Argentina’s national football team is undergoing a transition or rebuilding process after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the international friendlies includes injuries and suspensions, returning veterans and a host of emerging young faces. But the surprise addition is 21-year-old left-back Roman Vega.

Bans hit defense and midfield

The absence of regulars has forced Scaloni to look for new options. With right-back Nahuel Molina serving a seven-match ban and plans to call up domestic league players later, Scaloni has called up Palmeiras youngster Agustin Guia and veteran Juan Foyth, who is back from injury.

Meanwhile, the biggest obstacle has been in midfield. With Leandro Paredes serving a 10-match ban for his post-World Cup final altercation and Enzo Fernandez also receiving a red card, building squad depth has been a new challenge. Thiago Almada is also serving a one-match ban. Argentina is looking to reduce international bans for players through these official friendlies.

Confidence in youth and the arrival of Roman Vega

Scaloni’s biggest surprise was the first call-up to the national team squad of 21-year-old Roman Vegar, who plays for Russian club Zenyatta. Vega, who came from Argentinos Juniors to Barcelona ‘B’ and then Zenyatta in 2025 for $9 million, had previously played at the Under-20 World Cup. His inclusion is part of a long-term plan to strengthen the left side of the defense.

Four young talents from the U-23 team have also been retained in the attack. Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani and Roma’s Matias Sule and Santiago Castro have been returned to the squad.

Messi’s final farewell at the Monumental

Despite all the talk, the main attraction of the match will be captain Lionel Messi. After announcing his retirement from international football, the match against Benin at the Monumental on October 6 will be his last farewell match for the Albiceleste. The 39-year-old superstar will end his record-breaking international career by playing his 208th international match.

Full squad announced

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, Jeronimo Rulli.

• Defense: Augustin Ghiai, Leonardo Balardi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Juan Foyth, Facundo Medina, Nicolas Tagliafico, Roman Vega.

• Midfield: Enzo Fernandez, Alexis McAllister, Valentin Barco, Giovanni Lo Celso, Ezequiel Palacios, Rodrigo de Paul, Nicolas Paz, Franco Mastantuono.

• Attack: Matias Sule, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Gianluca Prestiani, Jose Manuel Lopez, Santiago Castro, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi.