Overview
- Lionel Messi is named in Argentina’s 27-player roster for the U.S. friendlies and retains the No. 10 shirt.
- Lionel Scaloni says he has not finalized the lineup and frames these matches as opportunities to test options ahead of 2026.
- Reports indicate Messi could skip the Venezuela game to play Inter Miami’s MLS finale against Atlanta United before rejoining Argentina, but no decision has been confirmed.
- Argentina faces Venezuela on Friday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and then Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium, with some reports suggesting limited minutes for Messi in the second match.
- Argentine clubs released players despite pushback given the Liga Profesional’s decisive stretch, highlighting club-versus-country tensions during the FIFA window.