World Cup 2026: Argentina unveil 26-man squad with Messi as captain

Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Thursday while unveiling his 26-man squad for the tournament.

The 38-year-old superstar had not officially confirmed his participation, but it was widely expected that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner would return to lead the defending champions four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar.

One notable omission from the squad is Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest young talents but failed to make the final cut.

The expanded World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11. Argentina will open their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.

Messi had recently sparked injury concerns after Inter Miami revealed he was suffering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The Argentine forward was substituted during Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia on Sunday, but Scaloni earlier downplayed fears over his fitness.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero also earned a place in the squad despite missing action since suffering a knee injury last month.

Argentina’s squad includes 17 players from the team that won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Youngsters Nicolas Paz and Valentin Barco have also been included, while Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez retains his place after making his international debut last year.

Among the high-profile absentees are Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia and Roma forward Paulo Dybala.

Before the tournament, Argentina will play warm-up matches against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 in the United States. Their World Cup group also features Austria and Jordan.

Alongside Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are expected to feature in their sixth World Cups this summer.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid).

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

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

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras).