Lionel Messi leads reigning champions Argentina as Lionel Scaloni names experienced 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lionel Messi was named in Argentina national football team’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as the defending champions prepare to begin their title defense next month.
The Inter Miami CF captain will lead Argentina’s attack alongside Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez in a star-studded squad announced by head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Scaloni retained the core of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with 17 members of the title-winning team included for the upcoming tournament.
Among the notable selections are Enzo Fernandez, Emiliano Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul.
Argentina, three-time world champions, will begin their Group J campaign against Algeria national football team on June 16 before facing Austria national football team and Jordan national football team in the group stage.
The South American side will play two warm-up matches before the tournament, taking on Honduras national football team on June 6 and Iceland national football team on June 9.
In defense, Scaloni selected experienced players including Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez, while Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel also made the squad.
The midfield unit includes Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios and Valentin Barco.
In attack, Messi will once again lead Argentina’s hopes alongside younger talents such as Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz and Thiago Almada.
Argentina enter the tournament among the favorites after maintaining strong performances since their triumph in Qatar and will be aiming to win a fourth World Cup title.
