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Argentina 2026 World Cup Squad: Messi Makes History at Record 6th World Cup

Argentina 2026 World Cup Squad: Messi Makes History at Record 6th World Cup

Lionel Scaloni announced Argentina’s final 26-man squad. Lionel Messi features at a sixth consecutive World Cup — an absolute record in men’s football. Argentina head to North America as defending champions. Their group stage opener is on June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria.

Full squad (26 players)

Full squad (26 players)
Pos Player Club
GK Emiliano Martínez Aston Villa
GK Gerónimo Rulli Marseille
GK Juan Musso Atlético Madrid
DEF Cristian Romero Tottenham
DEF Lisandro Martínez Manchester United
DEF Nicolás Otamendi Benfica
DEF Leonardo Balerdi Marseille
DEF Facundo Medina Marseille
DEF Nahuel Molina Atlético Madrid
DEF Gonzalo Montiel River Plate
DEF Nicolás Tagliafico Lyon
MID Alexis Mac Allister Liverpool
MID Enzo Fernández Chelsea
MID Rodrigo De Paul Inter Miami
MID Valentín Barco Strasbourg
MID Giovani Lo Celso Real Betis
MID Exequiel Palacios Bayer Leverkusen
MID Leandro Paredes Boca Juniors
FWD Lionel Messi (capt.) Inter Miami
FWD Lautaro Martínez Inter Milan
FWD Julián Álvarez Atlético Madrid
FWD Nicolás González Atlético Madrid
FWD Nico Paz Como
FWD Thiago Almada Atlético Madrid
FWD Giuliano Simeone Atlético Madrid
FWD José Manuel López Palmeiras

Key facts

Coach: Lionel Scaloni. Captain: Lionel Messi (38, 6th World Cup — all-time record).

Notable omissions: Alejandro Garnacho, Franco Mastantuono, Emiliano Buendía. Garnacho’s exclusion drew the most attention given his strong season.

Notable: Five Atlético Madrid players (Molina, Musso, Álvarez, González, Simeone, Almada). Emiliano Martínez included despite a fractured finger on his right hand.

Group stage

Argentina are drawn with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. They open on June 16 in Kansas City and are the clear group favourites at the bookmakers.

Odds to win the tournament

Argentina are the defending champions. Tournament winner odds: around 9.00–10.00. The market rates them below Spain, France and England — mainly due to Messi’s age and questions over the goalkeeping situation. “Argentina to qualify from the group” (~1.05) has zero betting value.

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