Overview
- Argentina officially announced its 26-player World Cup squad on Thursday, led by captain Lionel Messi and featuring many members of the 2022 title-winning team.
- Messi was selected despite a recent left hamstring (ischio) concern reported by Inter Miami and the club’s statement that he has muscular fatigue; coach Lionel Scaloni described early signs as not severe and the player will undergo further tests.
- The list keeps long-serving figures such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and defenders Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi, signaling continuity in experience for the title defense.
- A notable omission was 18-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono, a decision that has raised questions about how the staff balanced youth integration with proven veterans.
- Argentina are in Group J with Algeria, Austria and first-time finalists Jordan, and the team’s fitness decisions over the next weeks will shape Messi’s role for the opening match in Kansas City on June 17.