Argentina are beginning a new chapter following Lionel Messi’s international farewell, with head coach Lionel Scaloni announcing his first squad without the legendary captain. The 28-man selection for November’s friendlies also features several notable omissions, including long-time midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso.

Nicolás González is also absent. While De Paul and Lo Celso have been left out as part of Scaloni’s squad renewal, González joins Lautaro Martínez and Cristian Romero on the injury list. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are unavailable because of suspensions.

Argentina will face Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on November 13 before taking on Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on November 17.

A new generation gets its opportunity

One of the biggest talking points in the squad is the first senior call-up for Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino. Gonzalo Montiel and Mariano Troilo have also returned, while goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán and midfielder Máximo Perrone are among the other notable inclusions.

Young talents such as Nicolás Paz, Matías Soulé, Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni and Valentín Barco will have an opportunity to strengthen their claims for regular places in the national team.

Scaloni appears to be balancing established players with emerging talent as he starts reshaping Argentina’s squad for the next cycle.

Argentina’s 28-man squad

Goalkeepers:Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Gerónimo Rulli (Manchester City), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid), Santiago Beltrán (River Plate).

Defenders:Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Agustín Giay (Palmeiras), Aaron Anselmino (Chelsea), Mariano Troilo (Parma), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Román Vega (Zenit).

Midfielders:Ezequiel Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen), Máximo Perrone (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town), Valentín Barco (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Manchester City), Nicolás Paz (Como), Matías Soulé (Roma), Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid).

Forwards:Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Thiago Almada (River Plate), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid).

Big names missing as Scaloni plans for the future

The absence of De Paul and Lo Celso is particularly significant given their long-standing importance to Argentina under Scaloni. Their omission signals a shift in the coach’s current plans, although it does not necessarily rule out future international returns.

Lautaro Martínez, Cristian Romero and Nicolás González are unavailable through injury. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, meanwhile, has been included despite the fractured jaw he suffered while playing for Chelsea. His availability for the matches will depend on his recovery and fitness assessment.

Paredes and Molina are also missing through suspension. With Messi no longer part of the squad and several experienced players absent, the November fixtures will offer an early glimpse of how Scaloni intends to shape Argentina’s next generation.