Lionel Scaloni includes 'fit' Lionel Messi in Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed his final squad on Thursday, ending recent concerns over Messi's fitness after the Inter Miami captain asked to be substituted during his side's thrilling 6-4 win against Philadelphia Union earlier this month.

Medical checks later showed the 38-year-old was only suffering from fatigue in his left thigh, clearing the way for the reigning world champions to include their captain in the squad.

Messi first appeared at the World Cup in 2006 and finally lifted football's biggest prize in Qatar in 2022. His inclusion means he will now join long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the few players to feature in six World Cups.

Scaloni's squad also contains a strong Premier League influence, with five England-based players selected. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez were both included, while Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero strengthened the defensive line.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept his place as Argentina's first-choice keeper after another impressive season in England.

However, Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia was one of the biggest names left out. The 29-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign under Unai Emery, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists, including a superb strike in Villa's Europa League final victory over Freiburg.

Despite his strong form, Buendia's limited international experience counted against him, with the playmaker having made only two senior appearances for Argentina.

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi also missed out, despite playing a key role in helping the club qualify for Europe for the first time in their history. The centre-back is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.

Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono was another notable absentee. The 18-year-old had been part of Argentina's previous international squad, but an inconsistent first season in Spain damaged his chances of making the final cut.

Mastantuono started only 11 La Liga matches during the 2025-26 season and managed just three goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.

Atletico Madrid are heavily represented in Scaloni's selection with five players included, among them striker Julian Alvarez, who continues to attract interest from Barcelona ahead of the new season.

Argentina World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli.

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

Midfielders: Valentin Barco, Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Ezequiel Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes.

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