Argentina confirm 2026 World Cup squad led by Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Argentina have officially confirmed their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi set to lead the reigning champions once again.

The tournament, hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, will mark Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance, a milestone only Cristiano Ronaldo is also expected to reach this summer.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has largely stayed loyal to the core group that lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022. In total, 17 members of that winning squad have been included again, including Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Although Messi remains Argentina’s biggest star, there are questions surrounding his fitness after a demanding MLS campaign with Inter Miami. Even so, the 38-year-old is still expected to play a decisive role alongside Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in attack.

Argentina begin their Group J campaign against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan as they attempt to defend their world title once again.

Full squad here: