Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's squad for the World Cup despite a late injury scare. The 38-year-old forward is among 17 players from the triumphant 2022 squad selected again by head coach Lionel Scaloni for this year's tournament in North America.
Key Players Included
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, and Tottenham's Cristian Romero have also been included. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who fractured his ring finger warming up before the Europa League final, is also part of the 26-man selection.
Messi's Injury Concern
Inter Miami reported that Messi experienced "physical discomfort" before being substituted late in Sunday's 6-4 MLS victory over Philadelphia. He clutched his hamstring after taking a free-kick and headed straight down the tunnel after being replaced. Despite this, he is set to captain Argentina in his sixth World Cup, having made his tournament debut as a teenager in 2006.
Defensive Reinforcements
Spurs captain Romero missed the end of the Premier League season with a knee injury but is expected to be a key figure defensively. Argentina begin their campaign against Algeria on 16 June and also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Full Argentina Squad
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Facundo Medina (Marseille)
- Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Nico Paz (Como)
