Palmeiras forward Jose Manuel Lopez earns first Argentina call-up for World Cup qualifiers, joins Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul

Jose Manuel “Flaco” Lopez, the towering Palmeiras striker, has been handed his first call-up to Argentina’s national team for the September qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.

The 23-year-old has impressed Lionel Scaloni with 15 goals across 42 matches this year since arriving from Lanús in 2022.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi, now 38, leads the squad. Alongside him, Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul was also selected, making them the two MLS representatives on the roster.

The list also includes rising stars such as Real Madrid’s new signing Franco Mastantuono and Manchester City prospect Claudio Echeverri.

Scaloni will not be able to count on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who is suspended for two matches after his red card against Colombia in June. Porto’s Alan Varela has been called up as his replacement.

The reigning world champions have already secured qualification for the 2026 tournament and sit atop the South American standings. Argentina will first host Venezuela on Sept. 4 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires before traveling to Guayaquil to face Ecuador on Sept. 9, closing out the qualifying cycle.