Messi Leads Argentina’s 26-Man World Cup Squad as Scaloni Announces Full Roster

Buenos Aires, May 2026 : Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, as the reigning champions aim to defend their title won in Qatar 2022. The squad is once again led by captain Lionel Messi, who is set to play his sixth World Cup and continues to be the focal point of Argentina’s attack.

Argentina, who defeated France in the 2022 final to lift their third World Cup trophy, are targeting a rare back-to-back title, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. Scaloni’s squad reflects a blend of experienced World Cup winners and emerging talents, with 17 players retained from the victorious Qatar campaign.

Messi will be supported in attack by Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, forming a powerful frontline expected to carry Argentina’s scoring responsibilities.

Scaloni has also rewarded several rising players who were not part of the 2022 squad. Among them is Valentin Barco, who impressed with his performances in Europe, and Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez, who offers depth in the attacking department. Young midfielder Nico Paz has also earned a place after strong performances at Como, earning praise from the coaching staff.

However, several notable omissions have been made from the World Cup-winning squad. Nine players who featured in Qatar 2022 are not part of the current team, including Franco Armani, Juan Foyth, German Pezzella, Marcos Acuna, Angel Di Maria, Alejandro Gómez, Guido Rodriguez, Paulo Dybala, and Angel Correa. Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono also missed out on selection despite expectations.

Despite these exclusions, Argentina retain a strong core of experienced internationals, with 17 members of the 2022 squad included in the final list.

There are also injury concerns within the squad. Messi recently experienced physical discomfort during his last appearance for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Scaloni, however, provided reassurance about the captain’s condition.

“We were watching his game back at the training complex when we realized he had asked to be substituted,” Scaloni said. “The initial reports aren’t too bad. We just have to wait and see how things develop.”

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa has been included despite suffering a finger fracture during the UEFA Europa League final. He is joined by Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso, completing a strong goalkeeping unit.

The defensive lineup features Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, and Facundo Medina, offering a mix of experience and versatility.

In midfield, Argentina boast significant depth with Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, and Valentin Barco providing control, creativity, and balance.

The forward line includes Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nico Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Jose Manuel Lopez, and Nico Paz, giving Scaloni multiple tactical options across attacking positions.

Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Group J, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. Prior to the tournament, they will play warm-up friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 as part of final preparations.

Argentina Squad (26-man)

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)

Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Facundo Medina (Marseille)

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Nico Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Nico Paz (Como)

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