Lionel Messi will captain holders Argentina at a record-equalling sixth World Cup this summer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male player to reach the milestone.
The 38-year-old already holds the record for most finals appearances at 26. He led La Albiceleste to a third world title in Qatar four years ago, beating France on penalties.
Argentina: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
Lionel Scaloni unveiled his 26-man squad on Thursday, blending Qatar’s heroes with the next generation.
Messi heads the list at his lowest physical ebb of the cycle, having been substituted during Inter Miami’s latest MLS outing. His club confirmed only “muscle fatigue” in the left hamstring, ruling out injury.
He sits on 198 caps for Argentina and should reach 200 in friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, named goalkeeper of the tournament in 2022, returns between the sticks.
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero anchor a familiar defence. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández remain the midfield engine room. They are two of five British-based players selected.
Scaloni’s selection rewards both proven Copa America winners and exciting newcomers. Como playmaker Nico Paz earns his first World Cup call after a breakout season in Serie A.
Atlético Madrid’s haul of five players reflects their strong Argentine core, headlined by Julián Álvarez.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez offers ruthless finishing alongside Messi up top. Group J pits Argentina against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
The opener against Algeria in Kansas City carries echoes of past tournaments. Austria and Jordan complete preparations in Dallas.
Argentina 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Wednesday, June 17th – Argentina vs Algeria – Kansas City, USA
- Monday, June 22nd – Argentina vs Austria – Dallas, USA
- Saturday, June 28th – Argentina vs Jordan – Dallas, USA
What time do Argentina’s World Cup games kick off?
All kick-off times are BST.
- Argentina vs Algeria, 2am
- Argentina vs Austria, 6pm
- Argentina vs Jordan, 3am
Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (River Plate), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Valentín Barco (Racing Strasbourg), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
Forwards: Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
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