Lionel Scaloni has announced a 24-player squad for Argentina’s upcoming friendly against Angola, scheduled for November 14 in Luanda, as part of the next FIFA international window. The list includes several new names and a few notable omissions, including goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and players from the Argentine domestic league.
The match in Luanda will be Argentina’s only fixture during this international break. According to the coaching staff, the goal is to continue testing young players and expanding the player pool ahead of future competitions — a strategy similar to the one used earlier this month during the team’s tour of the United States, where Argentina defeated Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
Among the new additions to the squad are Máximo Perrone and Valentín Barco, who continue to gain experience with the national team, and two first-time call-ups: Gianluca Prestianni and Joaquín Panichelli. Both young talents have been monitored closely by Scaloni’s staff and now have the opportunity to make their debut with the senior team.
While Scaloni’s decision to rest Dibu Martínez and omit players from the local league follows the plan to rotate and evaluate new options, it also opens the door for emerging prospects to showcase their potential on an international stage.
Argentina’s friendly against Angola will take place on Friday, November 14, with kickoff time still to be confirmed.
Below, the list of players called up by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s friendly against Angola:
Goalkeepers
- Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille)
- Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace)
Defenders
- Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)
- Juan Foyth (Villarreal)
- Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
- Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)
- Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
- Valentín Barco (Racing Strasbourg)
Midfielders
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
- Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami)
- Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
- Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid)
- Máximo Perrone (Como)
- Nicolás Paz (Como)
Forwards
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
- Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
- Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid)
- Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
- José Manuel López (Palmeiras)
- Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica)
- Joaquín Panichelli (Racing Strasbourg)
Good move with an eye for WC is Panichelli , Lopez & Barco. But coach’s adamancy in not looking for full back options & continuously ignoring Soule is disappointing. I doubt he will play Barco at LB & even if he gets minutes, it will be in midfield. Scaloni seems decided on Acuna,Montiel & Foyth to be the full back backups to Molina & Tagli. Definitely a bad plan
Happy for Prestianni who is rewarded for the U20 WC with some squad time. Hope his Europe stock value increases with such moves. Equi misses out due to injury. But would have preferred Barrenchea over Peronne.