Overview
- Scaloni announced the 26-player list on May 28–29, confirming Lionel Messi as captain and keeping Cristian Romero despite a knee injury suffered in April.
- High-profile youngster Franco Mastantuono was left out of the final squad after limited club minutes and fitness concerns that the coaching staff judged decisive.
- The selection keeps the core that won in Qatar by naming 17 returning players and adds younger options such as Nicolás Paz and Valentín Barco to increase tactical depth.
- Coaches are continuing short-term medical monitoring after Messi left an Inter Miami match with muscular discomfort, and staff say final readiness will depend on last-minute tests.
- Argentina goes to the tournament as defending champion and Scaloni’s list prioritizes current form and squad cohesion over reputation, with contingency plans of additional youngsters traveling as alternates.