Lionel Messi Heads Towards History: Argentina's 26-Man Player Squad List for the 2026 World Cup

The uncertainty over whether Lionel Messi will feature at the 2026 World Cup has finally been resolved. On Friday, Argentina national football team head coach Lionel Scaloni officially announced the final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi has been named in the Albiceleste roster.

Messi's inclusion is welcome news for the global football community. The captain now has the chance to make history by appearing in his sixth career World Cup tournament. Prior to this, Messi has competed at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The Inter Miami player's selection also underlines Argentina's ambition to defend their world title, after lifting the trophy at Qatar 2022.

This championship ended Argentina's long wait for global glory, having last claimed the World Cup back in 1986.

Prior to finalising the squad, Scaloni had first named a 55-player preliminary list, before cutting it down to the final 26 for the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico which kicks off on 12 June.

Despite recent concerns over his fitness, Scaloni has placed full faith in Messi.

The 38-year-old was substituted early during Inter Miami's most recent match, after suffering fatigue and a hamstring issue.

However, these fitness concerns did not cost him his place in Argentina's final World Cup squad.

Around Messi, Scaloni has retained the core group of players that has delivered success for Argentina over recent years.

The defensive line is anchored by the solid partnership of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, complemented by the experience of Nicolas Otamendi and the tenacity of Nahuel Molina.

In midfield, Argentina will rely on the balanced play provided by Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes.

Up front, Argentina have selected a group of players in excellent current form. Alongside Messi, the Albiceleste squad includes Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone and young prospect Nico Paz.

Between the posts, Emiliano Martinez retains his place as first choice goalkeeper following his heroic performances at the 2022 World Cup. He will be backed up by Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli.

Scaloni's final squad selection did bring some surprises however. Several players including Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni and Marcos Acuna missed out on the final 26.

With a squad combining experienced veteran players and energetic young talent, Argentina once again enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders for the world title.

Argentina's 26-Man Squad For the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Geronimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille)
Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)

Defenders
Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille)
Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon)
Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate)
Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
Facundo Medina (Olympique Marseille)
Nahuel Medina (Atletico Madrid)

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

Forwards
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Nico Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid)
Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid)
Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid)
Nico Paz (Como)
Juan Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras)
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)