Messi to Lead Argentina in 2026 World Cup as Scaloni Names 26-Man Squad

Who: Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. What: The roster confirms Lionel Messi will play in his sixth World Cup, with Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández among the leading names. When: The AFA published the official list on May 28, 2026, one day earlier than widely expected. Why it matters: Messi’s selection caps a historic international career milestone and Scaloni’s choices reshape the championship-winning core from 2022.

Why it matters

Messi’s inclusion guarantees the tournament will feature one of football’s most consequential individual stories: a sixth World Cup appearance for a player who helped Argentina win in 2022. Beyond the headline name, Scaloni’s squad signals a clear refresh — several members of the Qatar-winning side were left out — which could affect Argentina’s tactical balance and squad depth in North America.

The 26-man roster and notable inclusions

Scaloni’s final list blends established veterans and fresh faces across all positions. The three goalkeepers named are Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille) and Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid). The defence includes a mix of domestic and European-based players such as Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) and Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica). In midfield, Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) headline a group that also contains Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) and Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors). Up front, Messi is joined by Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) and several Atlético de Madrid forwards.

Surprising omissions and squad refresh

Scaloni left out a number of players who featured in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign. Retirements from Ángel Di María and Franco Armani and the injury absence of Juan Foyth were already known, but the coach also cut six active world champions from the traveling party: Marcos Acuña, Germán Pezzella, Alejandro Gómez, Guido Rodríguez, Ángel Correa and Paulo Dybala. Other notable absences include Emiliano Buendía and Marcos Senesi, both of whom were expected by many observers to make the squad after strong club seasons.

• Lionel Scaloni named Argentina’s 26-man 2026 World Cup squad on May 28, 2026.
• Lionel Messi is included and will compete in his sixth World Cup.
• Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández are among the headline outfield selections.
• Three goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso.
• Six active 2022 world champions were omitted from the final list.
• Eight players receive their first World Cup call-ups (Musso, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Valentín Barco, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás González, Nico Paz and José López).

Tournament debutants and squad balance

Scaloni has introduced fresh options, handing first World Cup call-ups to eight players: Juan Musso, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Valentín Barco, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás González, Nico Paz and José López. The arrival of these debutants indicates an attempt to balance experience around Messi and other senior figures while preparing for longer-term succession beyond the Inter Miami captain.

What happens next

Argentina will travel to North America for the 2026 World Cup with the 26 players named by Scaloni. The squad announcement ends months of speculation about selection decisions — notably the futures of several 2022 winners — and sets the scene for preparation and tactical work ahead of the tournament. Further coverage should confirm matchday squads, tactical plans and any late injury developments before kick-off.