>Lionel Messi will extend his national record by competing in his sixth World Cup after being named in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 tournament. The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward headlines a formidable selection announced on Friday, as coach Lionel Scaloni retained the backbone of the side that triumphed in Qatar four years ago.
Seventeen players who lifted the trophy in 2022 are set to return, forming a battle-hardened unit for the title defense. The list includes key figures such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defenders Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Di Maria Absence Marks End of an Era
One notable absentee is veteran winger Angel Di Maria, who was not considered for selection after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa America. His departure signals a generational shift, though the squad remains deeply experienced.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso earned a recall for his second World Cup finals appearance. He was part of the 2018 squad in Russia but missed the 2022 triumph due to injury without playing a single minute in that campaign.
Next Generation Earns Spot on Global Stage
>Scaloni also injected fresh talent into the roster, selecting several younger players expected to carry Argentina’s future. Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz, and Giuliano Simeone are among the emerging stars included. Forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are poised to make their World Cup debuts, adding a new dimension to the attack.
Local media reports indicated that left back Marcos Acuna, a member of the 2022 championship squad, was omitted due to fitness concerns, underscoring the tough decisions required to finalize the 26-man list.
Group J Campaign Begins Against Algeria
Argentina will launch their Group J campaign on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Jordan and Austria. The squad blends proven winners with hungry newcomers, aiming to secure a fourth World Cup star for the Albiceleste.
Full Argentina Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
- Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina.
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez.
- Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.
