Coach Lionel Scaloni announced a 26-member squad on Friday.
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Argentina will be led by Lionel Messi as they prepare to take on Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Coach Lionel Messi announced his 26-man squad on Friday. Messi will now be playing a record sixth World Cup for the defending champions.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was a natural choice as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar four years ago. Messi has been struggling with minor injuries while playing for Inter Miami.
Argentina will face Algeria in their first match of the tournament. The squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Jeronimo Rulli and Juan Musso
Defenders: Gonzalo Mantello, Nahul Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Motmendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina and Nicolas Tagliafico
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul, Axuel Palacos, Enzo Fernandez, Alex McAllister, Giovani Lo Celso and Valentin Barco
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Thiago Almanda, Nicolas Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, Gulino Simo, Lautaro Martinez and José Manuel Lopez .
