Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the defending champions named a 26-member squad with no place for Paulo Dybala.

Argentina have officially announced their 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Lionel Messi set to lead the defending champions in what is expected to be his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

The squad was confirmed by the Argentina Football Association late Thursday from Buenos Aires, ending weeks of speculation around injuries and final selections. While most of the core group from the 2022 World Cup-winning side has been retained, the biggest talking point remains the omission of Paulo Dybala.

Messi’s final World Cup?

At 39, Messi continues to remain central to Argentina’s plans despite recent fitness concerns. The veteran forward is currently dealing with a left hamstring strain and was unable to complete Inter Miami’s last outing before the squad announcement.

Still, coach Lionel Scaloni backed his captain’s fitness and experience ahead of the tournament. According to officials familiar with the preparation, the medical staff expects Messi to recover in time for Argentina’s opening group-stage fixture next month.

This will be Messi’s sixth FIFA World Cup campaign after appearances in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. He finally lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago when Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final decided by penalties.

Injury concerns remain

Several senior players arrived with injury concerns, though most have been included in the squad. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from a fractured finger, while defenders Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are also returning from recent fitness issues.

Scaloni, however, indicated that the tournament schedule should allow players enough recovery time before the knockout stages.

Seventeen members from Argentina’s 2022 title-winning squad have retained their places. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister continue to form the spine of the side, while Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are expected to share attacking responsibilities alongside Messi.

Dybala misses cut

The absence of Paulo Dybala has triggered discussion among supporters, especially given his experience in major tournaments. No official reason was provided beyond squad balance and fitness considerations.

Young attacking options such as Nico Paz and Giuliano Simeone have instead been included as Scaloni appears keen to gradually transition the squad while maintaining the core of the championship-winning side.

Argentina’s preparation plans

Argentina will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Group J. Austria and Jordan are the other teams in the group.

The squad is scheduled to leave for its base camp in Kansas City on Saturday. Before the tournament opener, Argentina will play warm-up matches against Honduras and Iceland as part of their final preparations.

The defending champions enter the competition among the favourites once again, largely because of the continuity in the squad and the presence of Messi, who remains the face of Argentine football even in the closing stages of his international career.

Argentina Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.

Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentin Barco.

Forwards: Lionel Messi (captain), Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada and Nico Paz.

With Lionel Messi leading Argentina once again, attention will now shift to whether the defending champions can successfully retain the FIFA World Cup title in North America next year.