Argentina World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Lionel Scaloni

Mastantuono left out — the biggest shock of the squad

Franco Mastantuono was widely expected to be in this squad. He was not. Scaloni told him personally that he would not be going and that conversation will have been one of the hardest the Argentina manager has had. Mastantuono is 18 years old, has been outstanding for River Plate and is considered one of the most exciting talents in South America. But Scaloni made his call. Nico Paz and Valentin Barco came in instead. When a manager is willing to leave out a generational talent for form and fit reasons, you know he has full faith in what he is building.

Nico Paz and Valentin Barco — exciting young options

Nico Paz is 20 years old and plays for Como in Serie A — son of a former Real Madrid player and a genuinely special talent who has lit up Italian football this season. Valentin Barco is 20 and plays for Brighton, a left back who contributes going forward with energy and quality. Both are first World Cup selections and both will be looking to prove Scaloni right. Argentina have genuine depth at every position and these two add unpredictability and freshness to a squad that could have grown stale.

Giuliano Simeone — earning his place on merit

Son of Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid manager. But this is entirely about what Giuliano has done himself. Electric pace, direct running, fearless in one on one situations. He made the Argentina squad ahead of Mastantuono who was left out entirely — that tells you everything about the level of trust Scaloni has in him. At 21 and playing at Atletico Madrid under his father, he has the experience and the mentality to perform at the highest level. Give him space and he will hurt you.

Messi confirmed — the doubt is over

There had been some question marks around whether Messi would be in the final 26. He is. At 38 years old and playing for Inter Miami in MLS, Messi is confirmed in this squad and leads it as captain. If Argentina win this tournament, the conversation is permanently settled. Not just the greatest player — the greatest winner, the greatest competitor, the greatest of all time in every possible sense. Scaloni has built this squad around protecting Messi and maximising the damage he does when he touches the ball.

Alvarez and Lautaro — Argentina do not rely on Messi to score

Julian Alvarez is 24 and has been outstanding for Atletico Madrid since leaving Manchester City. Lautaro Martinez is 27 and leads Inter Milan's attack. Between them they give Argentina two genuine world-class strikers who can score from open play, on the counter and from set pieces. Argentina in 2022 did not need Messi to finish every chance. They needed him to create the environment in which others could flourish. Nothing has changed.

Argentina open against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City

Group J. Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan. Argentina are in Group J and open their tournament against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Scaloni's side should top this group comfortably. Austria under Rangnick will give them the toughest test but the quality gap between Argentina and the rest of the group is significant. The knockouts are where this squad will be truly tested — and where Messi, Emiliano Martinez and the experience of 2022 becomes Argentina's greatest weapon.

Who is in Argentina's World Cup 2026 squad?

Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man Argentina squad for World Cup 2026 on May 28. Messi leads the forwards alongside Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Giuliano Simeone and Nicolas Gonzalez. Emiliano Martinez is in goal. Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and De Paul anchor the midfield. Franco Mastantuono was the biggest omission.

Is Messi in Argentina's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Messi is confirmed in the squad at 38 and captains the defending World Cup champions. There had been some uncertainty but Scaloni confirmed his inclusion in the final 26. This is expected to be Messi's final World Cup.

Who is Argentina's captain at World Cup 2026?

Lionel Messi is Argentina's captain at World Cup 2026. He has been Argentina's captain for over a decade and led them to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar.

What group are Argentina in at World Cup 2026?

Argentina are in Group J alongside Austria, Algeria and Jordan. They open against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City and are strong favourites to top the group.

Can Argentina defend their World Cup title in 2026?

Argentina are one of the tournament favourites. With Messi, Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez all at or near their peaks, they have the squad to go all the way again. Defending the title is always the hardest thing in football. But if any squad has the personnel and the tournament experience to do it, it is Argentina.