Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has finalized his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in North America, trimming down his initial provisional list to lock in the group tasked with retaining global dominance. At the heart of the selection is talismanic captain and record goalscorer Lionel Messi, who leads a core group of 17 returning heroes from the triumphant 2022 campaign in Qatar.
Fears over Messi’s physical condition rippled through the footballing world after the 38-year-old requested an early substitution during Inter Miami’s final Major League Soccer fixture ahead of the international break. While subsequent medical assessments confirmed a hamstring issue, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s inclusion underscores his indispensable role in La Albiceleste’s tactical setup.
Scaloni’s roster blends seasoned championship experience with emerging talent, though several key figures are racing against the clock to achieve peak match fitness. Golden Glove winner Emiliano Martinez, who proved to be the hero in the dramatic Doha penalty shootout against France, makes the cut despite playing through a broken finger during Marseille’s recent UEFA Europa League final triumph over Freiburg. Similarly, defensive linchpin Cristian Romero is included despite sitting out Tottenham Hotspur’s final six domestic league matches due to a persistent knee injury.
The crucial midfield engine room that laid the foundation for the 2022 glory remains largely intact. Rodrigo De Paul, now partnering Messi at Inter Miami, is set to rekindle his formidable central partnership with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister. Their high-energy work rate and tactical discipline will once again be vital in giving Messi the freedom to operate in the final third.
Up front, Scaloni boasts an embarrassment of riches to support his captain. The attacking contingent features seasoned Inter Milan marksman Lautaro Martinez alongside a dynamic wave of younger talent, including Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Paz, and Giuliano Simeone. Defensive continuity is maintained through the inclusion of Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and veteran center-back Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica.
However, the squad announcement was not without its surprises, as Scaloni made some ruthless calls regarding high-profile names. Real Madrid’s 18-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono missed out on selection; despite a spectacular breakthrough season in the Spanish capital, the tournament appears to have arrived just too early in his international development. More surprising is the exclusion of veteran fullback Marcos Acuna. A near-constant presence on the left flank during the Qatar tournament, Acuna has been left behind as the coaching staff opts for alternative defensive profiles.
The reigning world champions will launch their title defence in Kansas City on June 17 against Algeria. Group stage fixtures will then come thick and fast, with Argentina scheduled to face Austria on June 22 before wrapping up the opening round against Jordan on June 28.
Full Argentina Squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)