Messi to Lead Argentina's World Cup Defence as Scaloni Names 26-Man Squad

Argentina have confirmed their World Cup squad, with Lionel Messi poised to lead the defending champions through their sixth tournament campaign. Named on Thursday, May 28, the 26-man selection sees the Inter Miami forward extend his own national record for World Cup appearances at the age of 38.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has maintained the spine of Argentina's 2022 Qatar triumph, with 17 players from that squad retained for the competition across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The returning contingent includes goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Nicolás Otamendi, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.

The veteran winger Ángel Di María, however, finds himself excluded following his retirement from international football after last summer's Copa América, closing the chapter on one of Argentina's most decorated players.

Among the notable recalls, Giovani Lo Celso makes his return to the World Cup stage after missing the Qatar tournament through injury. The midfielder featured in Argentina's 2018 Russia squad but did not see action, and now gets another crack at the global showpiece.

Scaloni has also weaved fresh threads into the squad, handing opportunities to a crop of younger talents expected to shape Argentina's future. Valentín Barco, Nicolás Paz and Giuliano Simeone represent the next generation, while forwards José Manuel López and Thiago Almada are among those preparing for their maiden World Cup experience.

Left-back Marcos Acuña, a member of the 2022 title-winning group, has been omitted due to fitness concerns, according to local reports.

Argentina's Group J opener comes against Algeria on June 16, followed by fixtures against Jordan and Austria.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, Emiliano Martínez

Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández

Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolás González, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás Paz, José Manuel López, Lautaro Martínez