World champions Argentina have announced their final squad of 2025 ahead of a friendly against Angola, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting for a mix of experience and youth as part of his long-term World Cup preparations.
The 24-man roster, unveiled Thursday, includes captain Lionel Messi and introduces two newcomers — Gianluca Prestianni and Joaquín Panichelli — both earning their first senior call-ups. Young talents Máximo Perrone and Valentín Barco also retain their spots as Scaloni continues to broaden his player pool.
Panichelli, 23, who plays for French side Racing Strasbourg, has been in outstanding form this season with nine goals in 11 Ligue 1 appearances, making him the league’s top scorer. The 6’2” forward, a River Plate academy graduate, also netted on his Europa Conference League debut.
Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez has been rested, while no players from Argentina’s domestic league were included — a decision reflecting Scaloni’s strategy to test new combinations and rest key regulars ahead of a busy international calendar leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The upcoming friendly carries symbolic value for hosts Angola, marking the country’s 50th year of independence. According to reports, the Angolan government paid around €12 million to bring the World Cup winners to Luanda for the match on November 14.
Argentina squad:
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).
