Latest news with #JoseManuelLopez
United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Argentina calls up uncapped pair for World Cup qualifiers
Buenos Aires, Aug 19 (UNI) Newcomers Jose Manuel Lopez and Alan Varela earned their first Argentina call-ups for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Lopez, a 24-year-old striker for Palmeiras, has been in impressive form this year with 15 goals and four assists across all competitions for the Brazilian club. Varela, also 24, has been an integral part of Porto's midfield since his 2023 move from Boca Juniors. Argentina will host Venezuela in Buenos Aires on September 4 before an away clash against Ecuador in Guayaquil five days later. The reigning World Cup and Copa America champion leads South America's 10-team qualifying tournament and is already guaranteed a place in football's showpiece next year. As expected, the Albiceleste squad is led by captain Lionel Messi, who fronts an attack that also includes Inter Miami's Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez. Manager Lionel Scaloni also named Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono, who became the youngest player to feature competitively for Argentina against Chile in June at 17 years and 295 days. Scaloni's side will be without Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who received a two-match ban for his sending off against Colombia in June. Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli. Defenders: Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Julio Soler, Facundo Medina. Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Alan Varela, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Claudio Echeverri, Franco Mastantuono, Valentin Carboni. Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez. UNI/XINHUA BM
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Messi leads Argentina's revamped squad for Venezuela and Ecuador qualifiers
ARGENTINA'S national team has announced a 31-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Captain Lionel Messi will spearhead the team, which includes emerging talents such as Manchester City's Claudio Echeverri and Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono. Porto midfielder Alan Varela and Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez, receiving his first call-up, also feature in the squad. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has retained key players like Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Lautaro Martinez for the crucial fixtures. Argentina will host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 4. Five days later, they will face Ecuador in Guayaquil as part of their South American qualifying campaign. The Albiceleste have already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, topping the qualifiers with 35 points. Ecuador and Brazil trail by 10 points in second and third place, respectively. Scaloni's squad includes a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, reflecting Argentina's depth. The goalkeeping trio comprises Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, and Geronimo Rulli. Defensive options feature Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, and Marcos Acuna, among others. Midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul provide creativity and stability in the centre. Up front, Messi will be supported by Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and debutant Jose Manuel Lopez. The squad announcement highlights Argentina's continued dominance in South American football. With qualification secured, Scaloni aims to fine-tune his team ahead of the World Cup. - REUTERS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jose Manuel Lopez earns first Argentina callup for World Cup qualifiers
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez received his first Argentina callup on Monday for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Led by 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi, the team also includes young talents like Real Madrid's recent signing Franco Mastantuono and Manchester City's Claudio Echeverri. 'Flaco' Lopez caught the eye of coach Lionel Scaloni for his goal-scoring output at Palmeiras, where he joined in 2022 from Lanús. Tall at 1.9 meters, the center forward has 15 goals in 42 matches this year. World champion Argentina has already secured a spot for the 2026 World Cup and leads South American qualifying. Argentina will host Venezuela on Sept. 4 at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires and visit Ecuador on Sept. 9 in Guayaquil for the final doubleheader of the competition. The Argentines will be without Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who received a two-match suspension for his sending off against Colombia in June. Instead, Alan Varela, a star of Porto in Portugal, was chosen. ___ AP soccer: The Associated Press
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jose Manuel Lopez earns first Argentina callup for World Cup qualifiers
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez received his first Argentina callup on Monday for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Led by 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi, the team also includes young talents like Real Madrid's recent signing Franco Mastantuono and Manchester City's Claudio Echeverri. 'Flaco' Lopez caught the eye of coach Lionel Scaloni for his goal-scoring output at Palmeiras, where he joined in 2022 from Lanús. Tall at 1.9 meters, the center forward has 15 goals in 42 matches this year. World champion Argentina has already secured a spot for the 2026 World Cup and leads South American qualifying. Argentina will host Venezuela on Sept. 4 at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires and visit Ecuador on Sept. 9 in Guayaquil for the final doubleheader of the competition. The Argentines will be without Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who received a two-match suspension for his sending off against Colombia in June. Instead, Alan Varela, a star of Porto in Portugal, was chosen. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. ___ AP soccer:
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Jose Manuel Lopez earns first Argentina callup for World Cup qualifiers
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez received his first Argentina callup on Monday for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Led by 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi , the team also includes young talents like Real Madrid's recent signing Franco Mastantuono and Manchester City's Claudio Echeverri.
