Messi named in Argentina squad for Guatemala friendly before 2026 FIFA World Cup
(Courtesy : Getty)
The World Champions will play only one friendly this international window.
Argentina will play a friendly game in March as they are scheduled to face Guatemala in a hurriedly scheduled friendly at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera on the 31st.
The defending World Cup and Copa America champions were supposed to play Spain in the Finalissima this month. But the Finalissima, which was supposed to take place in Qatar, was derailed by hostilities in the Middle East.
The game was canceled and federations were left to fend for themselves during the final international break before World Cup squads are revealed in late May and early June, because there was no way to find a new date and location that both national teams could agree upon. Argentina hurried to set up a home game against Guatemala as a result.
It was widely anticipated that Scaloni would field a first-choice squad for the Finalissima. Despite not having to deal with the trophy match, he still assembles a formidable team as he gets ready for this summer’s World Cup.
Lionel Messi, who has had a great start to the 2026 season with Inter Miami, is included in the team. Gianluca Prestianni was an unexpected addition, and uncapped defenders Tomas Palacios and Gabriel Rojas were also brought in.
While players such as Lautaro Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, and Giovani Lo Celso due to physical issues. Additionally, youngsters Franco Mastantuono & Alejandro Garnacho were left out.
Argentina squad for friendly match in March international window
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Valentín Barco (Strasbourg), Tomás Palacios (Estudiantes), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Gabriel Rojas (Racing Club), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Nico Paz (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Máximo Perrone (Como),
Forwards: Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Nico González (Atlético Madrid), José López (Palmeiras), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
When will Argentina face Guatemala?
They will face them on the 31st March.
Will they face Spain in March?
No, the Finalissima has been cancelled for now.
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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.