Lionel Messi to play at sixth FIFA World Cup as Argentina name squad
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has announced his 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Olympique de Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi has had to withdraw due to injury with Marcos Senesi, having just signed for Tottenham Hotspur, replacing him.
Defending champions Argentina have named their impressive 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer with the headline being that Lionel Messi will play at his sixth edition of football’s showpiece event.
The 38-year-old record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will go past 200 caps for his country in the next few weeks with Messi once again the star and key man for the three-time world champions.
The Argentinians are not short in attack, though, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez joined alongside Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez once again.
The surprise inclusion of Palmeiras forward Flaco Lopez has also caught the eye, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Franco Masantuono overlooked by Lionel Scaloni.
Another surprise omission, perhaps, is Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emi Buendia; who finished the season in fine form for the UEFA Europa League winners.
Marcos Senesi, subject of interest from both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, is a surprise absentee in defence, along with the experienced Marcos Acuna.
At the back, Cristian Romero has got his place in the squad, despite some doubts about when he will be able to return from his season-ending injury at Spurs. If fit, he will likely partner 38-year-old Nicolas Otamendi in the heart of the Argentine defence.
Emiliano Martinez has also fought off some scares about his fitness recently, while the middle of the park is dominated by some recognisable faces that could do with rediscovering their form after average seasons for their clubs.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez are set to be key for Argentina but both underwhelmed this season, while Giovani Lo Celso is something of a surprise inclusion, reportedly just pipping Como midfielder Maximo Perrone to the squad.
