It’s official. Lionel heads to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champion

ByTech Word News

Defending champions Argentina have locked in their final 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with talisman Lionel Messi officially set to lead the campaign across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The 38-year-old is set to make history by appearing in his sixth World Cup tournament and extending his own national record. Head coach Lionel Scaloni opted for continuity for this tournament, retaining the core that lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago.

Familiar faces and key returns

A total of 17 players from 2022 Championship Team are returning to the big stage. The heavy hitters include goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Nicolas Otamendi and formidable midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister. Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez also play a significant role in the team’s depth.

While the core remains intact, the team will feature some notable absences. Veteran Angel Di Maria was not counted on after his national team retirement after Copa America 2024while left-back Marcos Acuna missed selection due to ongoing fitness issues.

Meanwhile, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso makes a triumphant return to the World Cup scene. After a heartbreaking injury ruled him out of the 2022 tournament, Lo Celso booked his place for a second finals appearance having previously traveled to Russia in 2018.

A new generation will step up

Scaloni also used this roster selection to usher in the future of Argentine football, integrating several highly touted young prospects. Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz and Giuliano Simeone were included in the 26-man squad to inject fresh energy.

Additionally, forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are set to experience the tournament for the first time in their careers and round out a balanced attack.

Argentina open their Group J campaign on June 16 against Algeria before closing the group stage with matches against Jordan and Austria.

Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

  • 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: Starring Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez.
  • Forward: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, José Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

29 May 2026 08:54 IST