Santiago Simón, the versatile Deportivo Toluca player, has received his first call-up to the Argentina senior national team. Manager Lionel Scaloni included him in an expanded 37-man squad for the upcoming September FIFA window, a recognition that comes during a strong run of form for the Mexican club.

The call-up is particularly significant because the last of the three matches, against Benin on October 6th at the Monumental, will serve as Lionel Messi's farewell game. Simón, who joined Toluca for the Apertura 2025 from River Plate, is one of three players based outside Argentina called by Scaloni, alongside Ezequiel Fernández and Valentín Gómez.

Reward for Form

The summons coincides with a brilliant moment for Toluca in Liga MX. The team leads the standings with 19 points after eight matchdays, riding a five-game winning streak. Their latest victory was a 0-1 away win against Puebla on September 16th. This Sunday, before the international break, the Diablo Rojo will host Santos Laguna at the Nemesio Diez, looking to extend their positive run.

Scaloni presented an extensive roster that includes several established stars and young promises. Players like Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will only be available for Messi's farewell match. The list reflects the start of a new cycle for La Albiceleste after their runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup.

For Simón, a 25-year-old capable of playing as a defender, midfielder, or full-back, this call-up crowns his adaptation to Mexican football and his consistent performances. His versatility is a valuable asset for both Antonio Mohamed at Toluca and now for the Argentine coaching staff. The player will travel to join the squad that first faces Bolivia on September 30th in Córdoba, then Burkina Faso on October 3rd, and finally the emotional clash against Benin.

Toluca's coaching staff, led by Antonio Mohamed, will surely view this achievement of one of their men with pride. The Toluca squad, which you can review on our squad page, is strengthened by players of international caliber. Simón will have the chance to train alongside stars like Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez before returning to Mexico to continue the title fight.

Read the full report at MARCA