Defending champions Argentina name FIFA World Cup squad; Messi set for sixth appearance
Buenos Aires, May 29
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni announced the 26-member squad of the defending champions for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Leading the squad is captain Lionel Messi, who is set to make his sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup despite recent concerns over a left hamstring issue sustained while representing Inter Miami last week.
The 38-year-old forward remains the central figure in Argentina's campaign as the South American giants prepare to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Messi had played a defining role in Argentina's triumphant run during the previous edition, scoring seven goals and registering three assists during the tournament.
Argentina will begin their preparations for the marquee tournament with two international friendlies. Lionel Scaloni's side is scheduled to face Honduras on June 6 before taking on Iceland on June 9. Following the completion of the warm-up fixtures, the defending champions will shift their base camp to Kansas City ahead of the tournament opener.
Argentina, placed in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026, will open its campaign against Algeria on June 16, followed by fixtures against Austria and Jordan.
The squad announcement comes at a crucial stage of Argentina's preparations as Scaloni continues to fine-tune combinations and assess player fitness ahead of the global tournament.
The complete squad announced by Argentina is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, and Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.
Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentin Barco.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz.
— ANI
Reader Comments
No Paulo Dybala? That's a surprise... he was crucial in the qualifiers. Scaloni knows best I guess, but leaving out a player of his caliber when you have Nico Paz instead feels odd. Anyway, excited to see if Messi can pull off another magical run! 🏆
Argentina vs Algeria in the group stage will be a cracker! North African teams always give South Americans trouble. But with Messi's experience and that rock-solid midfield, I think they'll top the group easily. Just hope the hamstring issue doesn't flare up during the tournament 🤞
As an American, I'm thrilled the World Cup is coming to our shores! And having Messi play his sixth tournament here is incredible. The man is football royalty. Argentina's squad looks well-balanced - Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez up front is a deadly combo. Can't wait for June! 🇺🇸⚽
People are writing off Argentina because of the aging squad, but have they seen that midfield? Mac Allister, Enzo, De Paul - that's Champions League quality! Plus Messi doesn't need to do everything himself anymore. The defending champions tag might actually help them - no pressure like last time.
I respect Messi's longevity but honestly, Argentina relying on a 38-year-old with a hamstring issue is risky. They should have blooded more young forwards. Still, the man is a genius - if anyone can defy age, it's him. Just hope Scaloni has a plan B if Messi isn't
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