Nicolás Otamendi returns and Lionel Messi prepares for his sixth World Cup: Argentina has announced its squad to defend the title in 2026
Argentina, the reigning world champion, is not hiding its cards for the next World Cup and announced its squad for the upcoming competition on Wednesday. Lionel Scaloni has retained the winning core from Qatar 2022, including veteran Lionel Messi, who at 38 years old is preparing to compete in what could be the final World Cup of his illustrious career. Alongside him is Nicolás Otamendi, the experienced defender who was a key player for Benfica and continues to have the full trust of the coach to strengthen the defensive line of the “albiceleste,” despite tough competition.
Messi, the undeniable figure of Argentina, once again assumes the role of the team’s indisputable leader, ready to elevate the squad in its quest to reclaim the trophy. Otamendi, with his experience and tactical ability, is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining defensive stability, remaining one of the most influential players in the squad.
In the chapter on goalkeepers, Emiliano Martínez stands out as the hero who secured glory in 2022, accompanied by Musso and Rulli, who provide depth and quality to the Argentine goal. The midfield retains almost the entire World Cup-winning core, with names like Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Giovani Lo Celso, complemented by young talents such as Barco and Nico Paz, who promise to bring freshness and dynamism to the team.
In the attack, alongside Messi, standout players include Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, two of the brightest offensive hopes of the new Argentine generation, capable of tipping the scales and securing decisive goals.
Complete list of Argentina’s call-ups for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Musso, Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Balerdi, Tagliafico, Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Romero, Otamendi, Medina, and Molina
Midfielders: Paredes, De Paul, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández
Forwards: Álvarez, Messi, González, Almada, Simeone, Paz, López, and Lautaro Martínez
With this selection, Scaloni reinforces the idea of continuity and experience, combined with youth and emerging talent, preparing Argentina to defend their world title with ambition and quality. The albiceleste approaches 2026 with a squad that blends the best of past and future generations, ready to fight until the end for the dream of repeating the glory achieved in Qatar.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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