Argentina’s national soccer team coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 24-player squad for their upcoming friendly against Angola, scheduled for next week. Notably, the team includes Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, both from Inter Miami.
Due to Argentina’s Primera Division continuing through the November international window, Scaloni opted not to select any players from domestic clubs.
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Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine soccer federation, stated, “We spoke with Scaloni to ensure that players from Argentine football teams involved in crucial Clausura Tournament matches are not called up.”
Notably absent from the squad is Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, the goalkeeper from Aston Villa, who will also miss the match against Angola on November 14.
Scaloni has included both Messi and De Paul, even though their participation may coincide with potential playoff action for Inter Miami. If they succeed in defeating Nashville SC on Saturday, they will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals scheduled for November 22 or 23.
Both players were part of the previous October squad for La Albiceleste, although Messi played in only one of the two friendlies held that month, while De Paul participated in matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
La Albiceleste will now begin preparations to travel to Luanda, Angola, for this sole friendly in the November international window.