In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the international football community, the Argentina national team officially released its 31-man squad for the upcoming September FIFA Days — and it didn’t take long for controversy to erupt.

Despite Argentina’s recent run of excellent form and the build-up of excitement among fans eager to see their World Cup heroes back in action, three extremely important names were unexpectedly omitted from Lionel Scaloni’s list.

The exclusion of these pivotal players immediately sparked anger from none other than captain Lionel Messi, who made his disappointment very clear in a rare public intervention.

The omitted players, whose identities remain officially undisclosed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), are believed to be some of the cornerstones of Argentina’s recent international success.

Reports from local sports media suggest that the absent stars include a stalwart defender known for his unwavering presence in the backline, a versatile midfielder who has been instrumental in linking defense and attack, and a veteran winger whose creative flair and experience were vital during the 2022 World Cup triumph.

Their absence has left fans and pundits alike questioning the rationale behind such a bold move.

Sources close to the team revealed that Messi, currently leading Inter Miami through a dream season in U.S. Major League Soccer, was “genuinely shocked” when he heard that Scaloni had not called up these three players who played massive roles in Argentina’s recent successes.

According to insiders, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner immediately reached out to the national team staff to demand an explanation — and even urged the coach to reconsider his decision before it was too late.

“Messi couldn’t believe it,” one source said.

“He respects Scaloni enormously, but he also believes that certain players must be in the squad if Argentina wants to remain the best in the world.

He felt that this was not just a tactical mistake — it was disrespectful to the group that won everything together.”

The timing of the squad announcement exacerbated the tension.

Coming just weeks before critical FIFA international breaks, the selection was expected to be a harmonious blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, a formula that had served Argentina well in recent years.

Instead, the shock omission of these key figures has raised questions about the team’s preparation and cohesion ahead of what promises to be a challenging set of fixtures.

Social media platforms exploded with reactions from fans, former players, and football analysts.

Many expressed disbelief, labeling the decision “unbelievable” and “disrespectful.”

Some went further, speculating that Scaloni might be signaling a shift towards a post-Messi era, gradually phasing out the old guard in favor of younger talent.

This theory, while plausible, has only added fuel to the fire, as Messi remains a central figure both on and off the pitch.

But if anyone thought Messi would quietly accept the coach’s choices, they were very wrong.

In an unexpected move, the Inter Miami superstar personally contacted coach Lionel Scaloni and asked him to make adjustments to the list.

Messi reportedly told Scaloni that the team “needs unity and experience” going into the tough September fixtures and that leaving out certain players could damage the dressing room atmosphere.

This was not a heated argument, but it was clearly a strong and direct message from the captain who has always put the national team above all else.

Messi’s intervention highlights the deep respect and responsibility he feels toward his teammates and the Argentine football legacy.

Known for his humility and team-first mentality, Messi’s rare public display of dissatisfaction underscores how seriously he takes the upcoming international commitments.

His leadership has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s recent success, and his willingness to challenge decisions for the good of the team reflects his enduring commitment.

Scaloni’s response, however, has truly left everyone speechless.

Instead of backing down or agreeing to reconsider, the coach stood firm.

According to multiple sources, Scaloni calmly replied that he stands by his decision and that the squad was chosen based on current form and tactical needs, not loyalty or history.

He reportedly told Messi that “a new cycle is beginning” and that sometimes difficult decisions must be taken for the good of the team — even if they upset some of the biggest names in football.

This firm stance from Scaloni suggests a deliberate and strategic approach to team management.

The coach appears determined to balance respect for past achievements with the necessity of evolving the squad to meet future challenges.

His decision to maintain his selections despite pressure from the team captain indicates a confidence in his vision and methodology.

The coach’s reply immediately became the talk of Argentine media.

One major Buenos Aires newspaper described the situation as “the first real point of tension between Scaloni and Messi since the Copa América 2021”.

Other pundits suggested that this might even be a turning point in the national team’s development, as Scaloni begins to cautiously transition away from some of the older stars.

As the news broke, fans erupted with mixed reactions.

Many supported Messi and argued that his concern is valid considering the importance of continuity and experience at the international level.

Others praised Scaloni for showing courage and making bold decisions instead of simply following the will of his captain.

“Messi is our leader, and if he is worried, we should all be worried,” one fan tweeted.

“He knows better than anyone what this team needs.”

Another fan wrote, “Scaloni is right.

We need to refresh the squad.

Argentina is bigger than any one player, even Messi.”

This division among supporters reflects the broader debate facing many footballing nations: how to balance respect for proven veterans with the need to inject fresh energy and ideas into the team.

Argentina’s situation is particularly sensitive given the recent World Cup success and Messi’s iconic status.

While the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the upcoming FIFA Days have now become far more than simple friendly matches.

All eyes will be focused on Scaloni’s performance, Messi’s attitude, and the behavior of the newly selected squad on the pitch.

Many analysts are already predicting that even the smallest mistake from the team could reignite the controversy and put enormous pressure on the coaching staff.

The stakes are high, considering Argentina’s ambitions to maintain their position as a dominant force in world football.

The September fixtures will serve as a testing ground for Scaloni’s evolving squad and a barometer for Messi’s influence within the team dynamic.

The situation is particularly delicate because the football world has never seen any serious tension between Messi and Scaloni before.

Since taking over in 2018, the coach has always enjoyed full support from Messi, and the pair led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.

Now, with a new generation of players knocking on the door, the captain and the coach may finally face a major test of their relationship.

For now, Messi is expected to join the national team camp as usual, but journalists are already preparing to ask him about the squad selection the moment he steps off the plane.

Will he remain silent, or will he issue another strong statement? And will Scaloni hold his ground regardless of any outside pressure?

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the omitted players themselves have remained tight-lipped, fueling speculation about possible fractures within the squad.

Some insiders suggest that the excluded veterans feel blindsided and disappointed, while others believe they understand the coach’s vision but are eager to prove their worth in future call-ups.

One senior football analyst perhaps summed it up best:

“Everyone was expecting a calm and triumphant return of the world champions.

Instead, we now have a dramatic soap opera that could determine the future of the entire team.

The next few days will be explosive.”

As Argentina prepares for its September fixtures, the football world will be watching closely.

The outcome of this selection drama could redefine the team’s identity and influence the trajectory of Argentine football for years to come.

Stay tuned — this story is just getting started, and the reaction from Messi could change everything…