Argentina squad for 2026 World Cup announced: Did Messi make the list after injury scare?

Argentina have announced their full 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Lionel Messi included in Lionel Scaloni’s team despite recent injury concerns.

The defending champions will head into the tournament with a strong squad as they prepare to protect the title they won in Qatar in 2022.

Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup crown after a dramatic final victory over France, is now set for a historic sixth appearance at the tournament.

The Inter Miami forward remains the biggest name in the squad and one of Argentina’s most important players. He is the country’s all-time appearance maker with 198 caps and record goalscorer with 116 goals.

Argentina will be making their 19th appearance at the FIFA World Cup. The South American giants first won the competition on home soil in 1978 before Diego Maradona inspired them to another famous triumph in 1986.

Scaloni’s squad also includes key players such as Emiliano Martínez, Enzo Fernández, Nahuel Molina, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez.

Argentina confirmed the squad in a post on X, writing: “Con toda la fuerza de los argentinos,” meaning “With all the strength of the Argentines.”

Full Argentina Squad For 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso.

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

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

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

Argentina will enter the tournament with huge attention on Messi, who could make more history as he leads the world champions into another World Cup campaign.