Messi Headlines Argentina’s Strong Squad for 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi will once again captain Argentina at the FIFA World Cup after head coach Lionel Scaloni unveiled a formidable 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament in North America.
The competition, set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be Messi’s final appearance at the Mundial as Argentina attempt to defend the title they won dramatically in Qatar four years ago.
At 38, the Argentine captain is preparing for a sixth World Cup appearance, equalling the record shared by Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has also been named in his country’s squad for the tournament.
Scaloni’s announcement on Thursday ended months of speculation surrounding Messi’s availability and confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will lead La Albiceleste once again on football’s biggest stage.
Despite the strength of the squad, there were a few high-profile omissions. Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho and teenage Real Madrid prospect Franco Mastantuono were both left out of the final selection.
Mixture of Experience and Youth
Argentina will head into the tournament with a balanced squad combining experienced World Cup winners and exciting young talents.
Scaloni has maintained trust in the core group that guided the South Americans to glory in Qatar in 2022. Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Tagliafico all retained their places in the squad.
The midfield remains packed with quality and experience, with Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes all earning selections after their important contributions during Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign.
In attack, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are expected to provide support for Messi as Argentina seek to secure a fourth world title.
The squad also includes several young players expected to shape the future of Argentine football. Valentino Barco and Como midfielder Nico Paz both received maiden World Cup call-ups after impressive performances at club level.
Paz particularly enjoyed a remarkable season in Italy, helping Como secure qualification to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
The Squad
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will lead the goalkeeping unit, while Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli have been named as backup options.
In defence, Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero was included despite recent injury concerns. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Facundo Medina also made the final cut.
Giovani Lo Celso and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ezequiel Palacios were rewarded with places in the squad following strong campaigns in Europe.
Scaloni also selected Atletico Madrid trio Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada and Nicolas Gonzalez as part of a versatile attacking setup capable of adapting to different opponents.
Argentina’s squad reflects both continuity and evolution as the reigning champions prepare for another demanding World Cup campaign.
Messi Set to Lead Argentina for the Last Time
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final major international tournament with Argentina.
The former Barcelona captain remains the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 116 goals in 198 appearances for La Albiceleste.
Messi also holds the record for the most World Cup goals scored by an Argentine player with 13, surpassing legends Gabriel Batistuta and Diego Armando Maradona.
The Argentine icon has amassed more than 910 career goals, a feat only surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having already delivered Copa America and World Cup success to his country, Messi now has one final opportunity to further cement his legacy in international football.
With a squad filled with experience, tactical discipline and youthful energy, Argentina will head into the tournament among the favourites as they seek to successfully defend their world title.