Argentina Name 26-Man World Cup Squad — Messi Confirmed Despite Hamstring Scare; Dybala and Garnacho Excluded; 17 Returning 2022 Champions

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni officially announced the defending champions' 26-man World Cup squad on May 30, confirming Lionel Messi's participation despite a left hamstring 'muscular overload' scare on May 24 during an Inter Miami match. Scaloni confirmed the injury 'is not that bad' and expressed full confidence in Messi's fitness for their June 16 opener vs Algeria in Kansas City. The squad features 17 players who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — making Argentina's core the most experienced title-defending unit in the field. Key inclusions: Emiliano Martínez (GK, Aston Villa), Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and breakthrough midfielder Nicolás Paz (Como 2010, Serie A, first senior World Cup). Notable exclusions: Paulo Dybala, Alejandro Garnacho, Franco Mastantuono, Matías Soulé, Emiliano Buendía, Marcos Acuña. Messi equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record of six World Cup appearances — an historic parallel as both tournament legends feature in this edition. Argentina are the defending champions in Group J (Algeria June 16, Austria, Jordan) at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. FIFA publishes all 48 official squads on June 2 — the last publication day before the June 11 tournament opener at Estadio Azteca. Argentina's unbeaten competitive record under Scaloni (46+ matches) gives them status as co-favorites alongside France and Brazil. 12 days to kickoff.