The Argentina national football team has officially revealed its final 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni announced the definitive selection on Friday, finalizing the group that will represent the defending champions in the upcoming tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which kicks off on June 12.
The headline inclusion is undoubtedly Lionel Messi. His presence in the squad marks a historic milestone, as the legendary captain prepares to compete in his sixth World Cup—having previously appeared in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions. Fresh off his iconic victory in Qatar, which finally brought the trophy back to Argentina for the first time since 1986, Messi enters the tournament as a living legend looking to further cement his legacy.
Despite recent concerns regarding his physical fitness—specifically after exiting a club match early due to fatigue and a hamstring issue—Messi remains the centerpiece of Scaloni’s strategy. His inclusion ensures the team maintains the tactical core that has proven so successful in recent years.
A Balanced Blend of Veterans and Rising Stars
Scaloni’s roster strikes a balance between veteran leadership and emerging talent. The defensive line remains anchored by stalwarts including Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Nahuel Molina. Meanwhile, the midfield retains its creative engine, featuring seasoned professionals such as Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, and Giovani Lo Celso.
In the attacking third, Messi will be supported by an explosive group of forwards including Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, and Nico Paz. Goalkeeping duties will once again be handled by the reliable trio of Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, and Geronimo Rulli.
While the squad is brimming with confidence, the final selection process meant that some notable names were omitted, including Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni, and Marcos Acuna.
Full Argentina Roster 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), Facunda Medina (Olympique Marseille), Nahuel Molina (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)
With a blend of world-class experience and fresh energy, Argentina remains a top favorite to clinch the title as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup journey.
Summary
Argentina telah mengumumkan skuad final beranggotakan 26 pemain untuk Piala Dunia 2026. Pelatih kepala Lionel Scaloni memasukkan kapten legendaris Lionel Messi, yang siap berkompetisi di Piala Dunia keenamnya yang bersejarah meskipun ada kekhawatiran kebugaran baru-baru ini, dan tetap menjadi pusat strategi tim.
Daftar pemain ini menyeimbangkan veteran berpengalaman seperti Cristian Romero dan Rodrigo De Paul, bersama talenta-talenta baru yang menjanjikan. Pemain kunci di lini serang yang mendukung Messi termasuk Julian Alvarez dan Lautaro Martinez, dengan Emiliano Martinez di antara para penjaga gawang. Skuad ini bertujuan untuk mempertahankan gelar mereka dan dianggap sebagai favorit utama di turnamen mendatang.