Lionel Scaloni has named a 28-player squad for November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, Argentina's first selection since Lionel Messi's international retirement. The River Plate derby will be played at La Bombonera on Friday 13, with the annual finale against Costa Rica at Córdoba's Mario Alberto Kempes on Tuesday 17. The group combines the recent core with experiments designed for a new stage.
Aaron Anselmino is the leading newcomer. The 21-year-old central defender, developed by Boca and bought by Chelsea after only 18 appearances, receives his first senior call. Injuries interrupted loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Racing Strasbourg, and he has not played official minutes this season. Selection does not guarantee action, but allows the staff to assess closely a profile projected for generational renewal.
Gonzalo Montiel returns after missing the latest windows, while Mariano Troilo is back for a second call after not playing when selected in 2025. Agustín Giay, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico and Román Vega complete the defensive group. Nine options provide contrasting experience, attacking full-backs and both left- and right-footed central defenders for structures without Nicolás Otamendi.
The goalkeeping department reveals explicit caution. Emiliano Martínez is selected despite surgery for a fractured jaw and intends to play, but his ability to tolerate contact still requires assessment. Scaloni therefore also included Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso and Santiago Beltrán. Four goalkeepers allow Dibu's recovery to be managed without forcing medical clearance while broadening competition in a position entering transition.
Ezequiel Fernández, Máximo Perrone, Exequiel Palacios, Valentín Barco, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Nicolás Paz, Matías Soulé and Franco Mastantuono form the midfield group. Giuliano Simeone, Gianluca Prestianni, Thiago Almada, José Manuel López, Santiago Castro and Julián Álvarez are the attacking options. The list mixes established champions, players already integrated into the cycle and youngsters capable of providing creativity or runs behind.
The absences also explain the selection. Cristian Romero, Nicolás González and Lautaro Martínez continue injury recoveries, while Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are suspended. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are omitted, and Boca provide no players because of decisive club commitments. The only three domestic-based call-ups are Santiago Beltrán, Montiel and Almada, all from River, illustrating the connection between club schedules and national planning.
Rather than a definitive group for the future, this is a two-match laboratory. Uruguay provides an intense examination and Costa Rica offers a chance to redistribute minutes four days later. Scaloni must monitor Dibu, observe Anselmino, reintegrate Montiel and establish leadership without Messi or Otamendi. November's results matter, but the greater value lies in identifying partnerships capable of sustaining Argentina when the 2027 programme begins.
