Argentina name 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Lionel Messi
(Courtesy : Getty)
The defending champions have confirmed their World Cup roster.
Following their victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina are one of the top contenders heading into the 2026 edition. The task of defending the championship and reiterating its supremacy at the top level of international football falls to La Albiceleste.
Argentina have high expectations going into another World Cup campaign thanks to a strong core, experience in pivotal situations, and the emergence of a new generation.
Argentina finished top with 38 points out of a possible 54 in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, securing qualification in a commanding manner.
La Albiceleste secured their spot early and were the eighth team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 12 victories, 2 draws, and 4 defeats during the season.
In 2026, Lionel Messi will participate in his sixth World Cup as the captain of Argentina, the current champions.
The forward, who will turn 39 during the competition, was included in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man roster on Thursday. Four years prior, he led his nation to a third World Cup championship in Qatar by defeating France in a penalty shootout.
Messi will join 41-year-old Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male players to participate in a sixth edition of football’s biggest event this summer.
Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (River Plate), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
Forwards: Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan).
Is Lionel Messi called up?
Yes.
Which group are Argentina in?
They are in group J.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.