Argentina Stuns Fans: Messi In, Dybala Dropped for Pre-Copa America Friendlies.
Argentina’s roster for friendlies against Ecuador and Guatemala before defending its Copa America title next month includes Lionel Messi, although Paulo Dybala is missing.
Coach Lionel Scaloni will drop three players from the 29-player roster revealed on Monday when he finalizes the group on June 12.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022 included midfielder Dybala.
Argentina will face Ecuador on June 9 in Chicago, then Guatemala five days later in Landover, Maryland.
Argentina’s Copa America campaign begins on June 20 against Canada in Atlanta. Chile and Peru are also members of Group A.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi takes a free kick during the first half of an MLS soccer match against D.C. United, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Argentina:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate), Gerónimo Rulli (Ajax).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Germán Pezzella (Real Betis), Lucas Martínez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuña (Sevilla), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Valentín Barco (Brighton).
Midfielders: Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Giovanni Lo Celso (Tottenham).
Strikers: Ángel Di María (Benfica), Valentín Carboni (Monza), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Ángel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolás González (Fiorentina), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Julián Álvarez (Manchester City).