The Argentina World Cup squad includes Lionel Messi for a sixth FIFA World Cup, extending the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward’s national record.
Coach Lionel Scaloni retained much of the team that won Argentina’s third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are among 17 returning champions.
Veteran winger Angel Di Maria was not considered after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa America.
Giovani Lo Celso returned for his second finals after missing the 2022 World Cup through injury. He was part of Argentina’s 2018 squad in Russia but did not play.
Scaloni also included younger players expected to shape the next cycle, including Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz and Giuliano Simeone. Forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are set for their first World Cup appearances.
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Local media reports cited in the source said left-back Marcos Acuna missed out due to fitness concerns. Argentina will open Group J against Algeria on June 16 before facing Jordan and Austria.
