Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad: Messi heads to his sixth World Cup with the champions

⚡ Key points AI generated

Messi will play his sixth World Cup in 2026, becoming alongside Cristiano the first footballers to reach this historic figure
Argentina defends the Qatar 2022 title with Scaloni as coach and 17 survivors from the champion squad, led by Messi, Lautaro, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister
Notable exclusions include Franco Mastantuono, Marcos Senesi and Emiliano Buendía, while the champion defensive base is maintained with Dibu Martínez, Cuti Romero and Lisandro Martínez

Argentina arrive at the 2026 World Cup (Group J) as defending champions and with news that's taken the world by storm: Messi is heading to his SIXTH World Cup. The "final dance" of the number 10, this time for real. Scaloni defends the Qatar title with 17 survivors from that squad.

🌟 Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) leads the charge, flanked by a golden generation: Lautaro, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister. More than enough talent to claim another crown.

🎯 Throwback fact: Messi and Cristiano will be the first footballers to play in six World Cups. When Leo played his first one (2006), smartphones didn't even exist.

❌ The painful omissions: Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid's jewel), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) and Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa).

🔙 The championship core remains intact: Dibu Martínez between the sticks, Cuti Romero and Lisandro at the back, De Paul and Enzo in midfield. The block that touched the sky in Qatar is still standing.

📋 Full Squad · Manager: Lionel Scaloni

🧤 Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)

🛡️ Defenders

Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Facundo Medina (Marseille)

⚙️ Midfielders

Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Valentín Barco (Strasbourg)

⚽ Forwards

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Nico Paz (Como)

🏆 Group J

⚽ Opponents: Algeria, Austria and Jordan

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Argentina's manager for the 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Scaloni is Argentina's manager for the 2026 World Cup.

What group is Argentina in for the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina is in Group J of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

How many players does Argentina call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina submits a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, according to the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Argentina play its matches in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina plays in Group J against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

Argentina Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Messi Scaloni Julián Álvarez Última danza

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