Lionel Messi leads a team facing injury concerns and lineup changes ahead of the tournament
Category: Sports
Argentina, the reigning champions of the FIFA World Cup, has officially announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed the roster, which is anchored by captain Lionel Messi, who has returned for his sixth World Cup, solidifying his status as a central figure in Argentina's golden generation.
The squad features a mix of seasoned players and promising talents, but not without notable absences. One player who will not don the Argentine jersey this summer is Leonardo Balerdi, who was ruled out due to a right calf injury. The injury was confirmed just before a friendly match against Honduras, which Argentina won 2-0 in College Station, Texas.
Scaloni's decision to leave out Balerdi, who has made 11 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2019, comes as a blow to the squad. The 27-year-old defender had been a reliable presence during the qualification process, making seven appearances. His absence opens the door for another player to join the roster ahead of the World Cup.
Argentina's squad retains several key members from the 2022 World Cup-winning team, including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez. Six players from Atlético Madrid are also included: Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, and Giuliano Simeone, who is making his first World Cup appearance.
As Argentina prepares for the World Cup, Messi’s fitness is a focal point. After suffering muscle fatigue prior to the friendly against Honduras, he is expected to lead the team in their opening match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Messi, who recently won his record eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023, has been a prolific scorer for Inter Miami, netting 62 goals and providing 36 assists in 67 matches since joining the MLS club.
Argentina will also play two additional friendlies against Iceland and Honduras before the tournament kicks off. The team is aiming to build cohesion and address any tactical issues ahead of facing their group opponents, which also include Austria and Jordan.
Argentina arrives at the World Cup with a storied history, having lifted the trophy in Qatar four years ago, ending a 36-year wait for their third title. The team stunned the soccer world by defeating France in a dramatic final, where Messi was awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
Since that triumph, Argentina has maintained a strong presence in international football, winning the Copa America in 2024 and solidifying their place among the sport's elite. The core of the squad remains largely intact, which Scaloni hopes will provide the necessary experience and skill to defend their title.
Nevertheless, concerns have arisen about the team's form and fitness. With Messi turning 39 just days after the tournament begins, and several key players dealing with injuries, questions linger about whether Argentina can replicate their previous success. Notably, Romero, Mac Allister, and Álvarez have all faced inconsistent performances leading up to the World Cup.
In addition to Balerdi’s injury, Emiliano Martínez is recovering from a fractured finger, and both Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are dealing with muscle tears. The absence of Ángel Di María, who retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America, adds to the uncertainties surrounding the squad's depth and experience.
As the World Cup approaches, Argentina's coaching staff is tasked with managing the players' fitness levels carefully. The team’s first match against Algeria is set for June 16, where they will look to establish a strong start in Group J. Following that, they will face Austria and Jordan, both of which are considered manageable opponents.
Should Argentina navigate the group stage successfully, they will likely encounter tougher challenges in the knockout rounds, facing elite teams such as Spain, France, or Germany. The pressure to perform is immense, especially with the weight of expectations resting on Messi and the experienced players who have been part of the national team for years.
The team’s preparation will include honing their tactics and building chemistry on the field during the friendlies against Iceland and Honduras. These matches will be instrumental in assessing the squad's readiness and making any necessary adjustments before the tournament.
With the kickoff just days away, the Argentine squad is eager to showcase their talents on the world stage once again. As they aim to make history by defending their title, attention will turn to Messi and his teammates to see if they can rise to the occasion and deliver another memorable campaign.