Messi to Play Record Sixth World Cup as Argentina Names 2026 Squad

Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine national team, has revealed his 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup. The squad strategically combines the seasoned experience of the 2022 Qatar champions with the fresh energy of emerging stars who have earned their place during the current cycle. Lionel Messi headlines the list, preparing to compete in his sixth World Cup, an absolute record he will share with Cristiano Ronaldo and likely Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa.

In goal, Scaloni retains Emiliano Martínez and Gerónimo Rulli, key figures from the previous tournament. They are joined by Juan Musso, who secured the third spot after a strong performance at Atlético de Madrid, overcoming a jaw fracture that previously sidelined him.

The defense sees significant alterations with the unexpected absences of Marcos Acuña and Marcos Senesi. Scaloni has opted for Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Tagliafico, and newcomers Leonardo Balerdi and Facundo Medina. Balerdi and Medina, standout performers for Olympique de Marseille, are positioned as natural replacements for Romero and Tagliafico, respectively.

The midfield maintains its established core: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, and Leandro Paredes. Giovani Lo Celso, who missed the 2018 World Cup and the 2022 tournament due to injury, gets a personal redemption opportunity in North America. This group is further strengthened by the inclusion of Thiago Almada, Nico Paz, and Valentín Barco. Barco, after a notable season with Racing de Strasbourg, has secured a move to Chelsea and earned his place on the squad.

Versatility was a key criterion for selection, evident in the inclusion of Nicolás González and Giuliano Simeone, both from Atlético de Madrid, due to their tactical flexibility. González, like Lo Celso, gets a second chance after a muscle injury ruled him out of the 2022 squad, while Simeone, son of 'Cholo,' makes his World Cup debut. The offensive line is anchored by Messi, supported by regulars Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. The squad also features José Manuel López, who steps in following Joaquín Panichelli's season-ending knee ligament tear. López is currently in excellent form with Palmeiras.