Is Lionel Messi Playing in Argentina vs Uruguay?

Argentina Squad Update: Is Lionel Messi Playing in Argentina vs Uruguay?

Mohit Tomar

Published - Nov 03, 2026, 06:01 PM

3 min

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Argentina Squad Update: Is Lionel Messi Playing in Argentina vs Uruguay?

Summary

Fixture Schedule: Argentina wraps up its 2026 calendar with high-profile friendlies against Uruguay at La Bombonera (November 13) and Costa Rica in Córdoba (November 17).
Post-Messi Era: Lionel Messi is officially retired from international duty, with head coach Lionel Scaloni spearheading a generational squad overhaul.
Key Defensive Absences: Atletico Madrid defender Cristian Romero is sidelined due to club injury rehabilitation, and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez remains out with a thigh injury.
Youth Infusion & Veteran Omissions: Longtime mainstays Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been omitted as part of a youth-focused rotation, alongside suspensions for Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina.

Argentina return to home soil for the final international window of 2026, setting the stage for high-profile friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has announced the official Argentina squad for upcoming international break, marking a pivotal milestone as the national team officially entrenches itself in the post-Lionel Messi era.

Supporters looking ahead to the fixtures naturally raise the question: Is Lionel Messi playing in Argentina vs Uruguay? Following his emotional international farewell after the World Cup cycle, Messi is retired from international duty, leaving Scaloni to engineer a comprehensive squad rejuvenation blending established continental stars with emerging prospects.

Fixture Schedule & Core Transition

Argentina vs Uruguay: Friday, November 13, 2026 - Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera), Buenos Aires.
Argentina vs Costa Rica: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 - Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba.

This November gathering acts as a primary laboratory for tactical adjustments as the coaching staff looks toward future qualifying cycles. With veteran pillars stepping aside or missing out, leadership duties on the pitch fall to experienced figures such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who anchors the leadership group.

Major Absences, Injuries, and Tactical Overhaul

Scaloni's roster announcement delivered several major talking points beyond Messi's permanent absence:

Defensive Blow: Atletico Madrid central defender Cristian Romero misses out on the squad entirely due to ongoing club injury rehabilitation.
Attacking Sensation Sidelines: Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Veteran Omissions: Longtime midfield mainstays Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been omitted as the coaching staff actively accelerates a youth-focused squad rotation.
Suspensions: Midfielder Leandro Paredes and full-back Nahuel Molina are unavailable for selection due to active suspensions.

Full Argentina National Football Team Squad (November 2026)

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Geronimo Rulli (Manchester City), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Santiago Beltran (River Plate)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Agustin Giay (Palmeiras), Aaron Anselmino (Chelsea), Mariano Troilo (Parma), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Roman Vega (Zenit Saint Petersburg)
Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez (Bayer Leverkusen), Maximo Perrone (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town), Valentin Barco (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Manchester City), Nico Paz (Como)
Forwards & Wide Options: Matías Soule (Roma), Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Thiago Almada (River Plate), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)