After Lionel Scaloni announced the squad headed by Lionel Messi for Argentina’s upcoming friendlies in the U.S. against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, controversy arose in Spain regarding Thiago Almada. The Atletico Madrid player has been training separately for over a month due to a muscle issue.
Almada suffered an injury during the last round of South American World Cup Qualifiers, which excluded him from Diego Simeone’s plans. His selection for Argentina’s next two matches — set for Friday, October 10 and Monday, October 13 — drew criticism in Spain.
Spanish media questioned how Almada could be unfit to play for Atletico while still being called up for Argentina. Recently, Scaloni ruled the 24-year-old attacker out of both matches.
Currently, there is no replacement named, but this may change soon, as Almada is regarded as a key player by Argentina’s coaching staff.
Thiago Almada during a Qualifier game with Argentina. (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Argentina’s complete roster for October friendlies
At this point, Almada’s absence is the only confirmed one for Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez was initially uncertain after a calf strain during warm-ups for a Europa League match with Aston Villa.
However, that injury concern was resolved, allowing Martinez to join Argentina for the October friendlies. Here’s the full roster selected by Lionel Scaloni:
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, and Facundo Cambeses.
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Lautaro Rivero, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Marcos Acuña.
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Anibal Moreno, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Paz, Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, and Franco Mastantuono.
- Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez.