Argentina Announces World Cup Squad Featuring Flaco López and Messi

Argentina has announced its 26-man squad for the World Cup, with coach Lionel Scaloni including captain Lionel Messi and Palmeiras striker Flaco López among the selected players. The reigning world champions will again lean on a core of experienced names as they prepare to defend the title won in Qatar, with Messi set for what could be his final World Cup at age 38 and making his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Messi, a defining figure for his generation, remains the centerpiece of Argentina’s attack. He is joined by several key teammates who have helped shape the team’s recent success, including midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, his club teammate at Inter Miami, goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez of Aston Villa, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, Atlético de Madrid forward Julián Álvarez and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez.

Flaco López’s inclusion is notable for Brazilian club Palmeiras, which will have one of its forwards represented on the world stage. His call-up adds another dimension to Scaloni’s squad, which mixes established internationals with players competing across Europe and the Americas.

Argentina has been drawn into Group J, where it will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the first phase of the tournament. The team begins its campaign against Algeria on June 16 at 10 p.m. in Kansas City. It will then play Austria on June 22 before finishing group-stage action against Jordan on June 29.

Scaloni’s final list also featured a surprise omission. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica was left out of the squad after being involved in a racism-related incident in this season’s Champions League. He had also been serving a suspension that would have carried over to World Cup matches, which affected his availability for selection.

With Messi leading a squad built around continuity and experience, Argentina enters the tournament as one of the favorites and with strong expectations after its recent run of success. The lineup reflects Scaloni’s trust in a core group that has delivered trophies and consistency, while also showing room for a few fresh faces. As the defending champions, Argentina will aim to start strongly and advance from Group J with confidence.