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The Argentina national football team has announced the final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Lionel Messi in charge. The reigning champions will defend the title this time after winning their third title in Qatar 2022. Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni has picked most of the players who were part of their triumphant campaign. While there were concerns over Messi’s injury that he suffered in a recent match for Inter Miami, he is expected to regain fitness before the World Cup kicks off in June.

Along with the experienced players, some youngsters, including Nicolas Paz and Giuliano Simeone, have been named in the final squad. They will hope for a chance at a World Cup debut when Argentina begin their title defence.

Giovani Lo Celso Returns For His Second World Cup Campaign

Giovani Lo Celso was a notable absentee from Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad four years back. The 30-year-old midfielder warmed the bench during the 2018 competition, but failed to make it to the Qatar edition due to injuries. Scaloni has shown his faith in Lo Celso, calling him back for the upcoming event. However, his chances of being in the starting lineup look slim.

Which Players From 2022 Argentina Squad Have Been Retained?

Lionel Scaloni has kept the core of the team largely unchanged. While Messi will continue to lead Argentina, Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Otamendi, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are among the 17 players who have been picked for Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Angel Di Maria, however, remains unavailable, having taken retirement from international football after the 2024 Copa America.

Argentina World Cup Squad: Full List of Players

Argentina, placed in Group J, will take on Algeria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener on June 17. Lionel Messi and Co. will later face Austria and Jordan in the other league fixtures.