Argentina's World Cup 2026 Squad Named, Messi Set for Record 6th Appearance

Sports Desk, Rtv News

Publish : 29 May 2026, 02:34 PM

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Defending champions Argentina have officially announced their final 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, with legendary forward Lionel Messi once again set to captain the side.

This selection marks a historic milestone for the veteran attacker, who is preparing for his record-extending sixth World Cup appearance.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has opted for continuity, showing immense faith in the experienced core that secured global glory in Qatar four years ago.

A total of 17 players from the 2022 World Cup-winning roster have been retained for the title defense, including star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, midfield mainstays Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, alongside Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez.

Conversely, the squad features a few notable absences.

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Longtime winger Angel Di Maria was not considered for selection following his retirement from international football after the 2024 Copa America, while left-back Marcos Acuna missed out on the final list due to ongoing fitness issues.

On a positive note, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso makes a welcome return to football's biggest stage after an unfortunate injury ruled him out of the 2022 edition.

Lo Celso previously represented the Albiceleste at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Looking toward the future, Scaloni has infused the veteran squad with some of Argentina's most promising next-generation talents.

Young prospects Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz, and Giuliano Simeone have all earned coveted spots on the plane, while forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are also set to experience the World Cup for the first time in their respective careers.

Argentina have been placed in Group J and will kick off their tournament campaign against Algeria on June 16, followed by group-stage encounters against Jordan and Austria.

Argentina's Full Squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026:

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

With Inputs from UNB

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