Despite recently suffering a left thigh muscle injury, Lionel Messi, the iconic captain of Argentina, has been officially named in the 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, the reigning world champions are poised to defend their title, and the presence of the 38-year-old superstar remains integral to their ambitions.
This selection marks Messi’s sixth appearance at a FIFA World Cup, a remarkable achievement that will see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner aiming to break numerous national team and tournament records. The Inter Miami striker’s experience, leadership, and unparalleled skill are considered indispensable as Argentina prepares for its campaign.
The squad features a strong core of players who were instrumental in Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar. Key figures like reliable goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, and midfield stalwarts Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez are all set to reunite with their captain. Upfront, the potent attacking duo of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez also retain their places, ensuring a formidable offensive threat.
While coach Scaloni has largely maintained faith in the players who secured Argentina’s third World Cup title, there are some notable changes. Angel Di María, a veteran winger who played a crucial role in past successes, has not been named in this squad. Conversely, Giovani Lo Celso, who unfortunately missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury, makes a welcome return, having last played in the tournament with Argentina in 2018. Additionally, several promising young talents have been integrated into the squad. These include Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz, and Giuliano Simeone. Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are also poised to make their World Cup debuts, adding fresh energy and potential to the team.
Argentina is slated to defend its FIFA World Cup title in 2026, where they are set to compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Jordan, and Austria, as the journey to retain football’s most coveted trophy begins.
The complete 26-player squad representing the defending champions Argentina for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is as follows:
**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.
