Messi set for sixth FIFA World Cup as defending champions Argentina name 26-member squad

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni on Thursday announced a 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, with captain Lionel Messi set to lead the defending champions in the tournament beginning on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Messi, who is expected to feature in his sixth FIFA World Cup, headlines the squad despite recent concerns surrounding a left hamstring issue suffered while playing for Inter Miami last week.

Advertisement

The 38-year-old remains the focal point of Argentina’s title defence after playing a pivotal role in the country’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, where he scored seven goals and registered three assists.

Argentina will begin preparations for the global showpiece with two international friendlies. Lionel Scaloni’s side will face Honduras on June 6 before taking on Iceland on June 9. The team will then move to its base camp in Kansas City ahead of its tournament opener.

Placed in Group J, Argentina will open its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in the remaining group-stage fixtures.

The squad announcement comes as Scaloni continues to finalise combinations and monitor player fitness ahead of the tournament.

The complete Argentina squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.

Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentin Barco.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz.