The Argentina captain included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the World Cup
- Lionel Messi will play at a record sixth World Cup
- Argentina retained most of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup
- Paulo Dybala, Marcos Acuña and Franco Mastantuono missed out
- Scaloni is expected to continue using Argentina’s flexible 4-3-3 system
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named the defending champions’ final squad for the tournament.
The squad announcement confirms Messi will become the first men’s player in football history, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, to appear at six FIFA World Cups, having previously represented Argentina at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Argentina entered the tournament as defending world champions after defeating France in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Much of the squad that won the title under Scaloni remains intact heading into the 2026 competition.
Messi, now 38, was included despite recent concerns after experiencing muscle fatigue during Inter Miami’s final club match before the tournament. Reuters reported the issue was not considered serious.
Scaloni retained the core of Argentina’s experienced spine, including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
The squad also includes younger players expected to play larger roles during this tournament cycle, including Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada. Argentina’s squad continues to rely heavily on the balance between experienced leaders and younger attacking depth.
The Projected XI is expected to have Emiliano Martínez between the sticks, with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi supporting him in the defence, with Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield and Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez completing the attack.
Expected Tactical Setup
Argentina are expected to continue using the flexible tactical system that helped them win the 2022 World Cup.
Scaloni has most commonly used a 4-3-3 formation during his tenure, though Argentina often shift shape during matches depending on opposition and game state.
The system allows Messi freedom to operate centrally while Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez provide movement ahead of him. Argentina’s midfield remains built around pressing intensity, defensive compactness and rapid transitions after recovering possession.
Notable Omissions
Several well-known players were not included in the final squad. Ángel Di María is absent after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa América. Paulo Dybala was again left out of the squad despite remaining available for selection.
Veteran full-back Marcos Acuña also missed the tournament because of fitness issues. Young midfielder Franco Mastantuono was another notable omission after previously being linked with Argentina’s preliminary squad discussions.
Injury Concerns
The only officially confirmed injury-related omission reported widely before the squad announcement was Marcos Acuña.
Messi’s recent muscle fatigue has also been monitored closely ahead of the tournament, though Argentina did not indicate concerns about his availability.
Cristian Romero was included after completing the European club season with Tottenham Hotspur.
Argentina arrives at the World Cup among the tournament favorites after maintaining strong international form under Scaloni since winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
Scaloni has overseen one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s modern history, with the national team losing very few competitive matches over the last four years.
The tournament could also become Messi’s final World Cup appearance, although the Argentina captain has not officially confirmed whether he will retire from international football after 2026.
