Argentina call up Inter & Como stars Lautaro & Nico Paz for October friendlies | OneFootball

Lionel Scaloni has named his Argentina squad for the upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, with two Serie A-based players making the cut.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and Como starlet Nico Paz both feature in the 28-man list, which also includes veterans Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi.

The world champions will face Venezuela on October 11 and Puerto Rico on October 14, using the games as preparation for future competitive fixtures.

Scaloni names Inter and Como stars in his Argentina squad

COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Scaloni has once again turned to a mix of established stars and young talent for his Argentina squad. Alongside Lautaro, the attacking line includes Messi and Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, while Paz continues to impress by the lake.

The Inter striker will be expected to lead the line, while fans will be watching closely to see how Paz progresses in adapting to senior international football.

Argentina Squad – Full List

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 15: (L-R) Walter Samuel, Assistant Coach of Argentina and Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina sing the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 15, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille)

Defenders: Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Facundo Cambeses (Racing Club), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Marcos Acuña (River Plate), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Lautaro Rivero (River Plate)

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Aníbal Moreno (Palmeiras)

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martínez (Inter), José Manuel López (Palmeiras)