The Argentine National Team revealed its definitive 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup this Thursday, headlined by stars Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, and Emiliano Martínez. However, the call-up featured one major surprise: the absence of Marcos Acuña, who was ultimately left off the squad, with Facundo Medina stepping in to take his place.
Lionel Scaloni’s list maintains the core foundation of the Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning squad, featuring 17 players who are returning from the team that secured Argentina’s historic third star.
Additionally, the Albiceleste has leaned into a generational shift by integrating rising youth talent who have gained significant prominence over recent years. Among them are Nicolás Paz, Giuliano Simeone, and Valentín Barco, all of whom will look to cement their status on football’s grandest stage.
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez – Aston Villa
- Gerónimo Rulli – Olympique de Marseille
- Juan Musso – Atlético de Madrid
Defenders
- Leonardo Balerdi – Olympique de Marseille
- Nicolás Tagliafico – Olympique Lyonnais
- Gonzalo Montiel – River Plate
- Lisandro Martínez – Manchester United
- Cristian Romero – Tottenham Hotspur
- Nicolás Otamendi – Benfica
- Facundo Medina – Olympique de Marseille
- Nahuel Molina – Atlético de Madrid
Midfielders
- Leandro Paredes – Boca Juniors
- Rodrigo De Paul – Inter Miami
- Valentín Barco – Racing Strasbourg
- Giovani Lo Celso – Real Betis
- Exequiel Palacios – Bayer Leverkusen
- Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool
- Enzo Fernández – Chelsea
Forwards
- Julián Álvarez – Atlético de Madrid
- Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
- Nico González – Atlético de Madrid
- Thiago Almada – Atlético de Madrid
- Giuliano Simeone – Atlético de Madrid
- Nico Paz – Como
- Juan Manuel López – Palmeiras
- Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan
