Everyone is asking the same question. Will he or won’t he? By "he," I mean Lionel Messi, obviously. But if you’re only looking at the #10, you’re missing the actual story of the Argentina squad for World Cup 2026. Lionel Scaloni isn't just building a "last dance" for the GOAT. He’s quietly constructing a relentless, multi-generational machine that's terrifyingly deep.
Honestly, the way people talk about this team is kinda stuck in 2022. Yes, the core of Qatar is still there. You've got the "wall" in Emiliano Martínez and the lungs of the operation, Rodrigo De Paul. But the 2026 version of the Albiceleste is faster, younger, and—dare I say—more tactically flexible than the one that lifted the trophy in Lusail.
The Messi Reality Check
Let’s get the big one out of the way. As of January 2026, Leo Messi is with Inter Miami, coming off an MLS Cup win and a Golden Boot. He’s 38. Scaloni recently had coffee with him in Rosario to discuss the "plans," but the official word is basically: "We leave him alone to decide."
He’s on the 50-man provisional list. Obviously. But the Argentina squad for World Cup 2026 doesn't depend on him the way it used to. If he plays, he’s the creative focal point, likely in a slightly deeper or more central role to save his legs for those 30-yard bursts. If he doesn’t? Scaloni has spent the last two years preparing for that exact "what if."
It’s not just about replacing a player; it’s about replacing a gravitational pull.
The New Blood: Paz, Mastantuono, and Echeverri
If you haven't been watching the qualifiers, you’ve missed the rise of the "Euro-Argen" generation. Scaloni has been blooding kids who weren't even old enough to drive when Messi debuted.
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Nico Paz is the name everyone is whispering about. After a breakout season at Como, he’s showing the kind of composure in tight spaces that makes scouts drool. Then there’s Franco Mastantuono. Real Madrid didn’t spend big on him just for the vibes; he’s a genuine line-breaker.
And don't forget Claudio Echeverri. The Manchester City-owned playmaker provides a different gear. While the 2022 midfield was about control and "doggedness," this new crop adds a level of verticality.
- Nico Paz (Como): The silk.
- Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid): The spark.
- Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City): The future.
These guys aren't just there to fill out the roster. They’re actively pushing guys like Leandro Paredes for minutes. It’s a headache for Scaloni, but the good kind.
Defensive Stability and the "Dibu" Factor
In goal, it’s still Emiliano Martínez’s world. We’re just living in it. Fresh off another Yashin Trophy win, "Dibu" remains the psychological heartbeat of the team. He’s the guy who wins you games before the whistle even blows.
The backline has evolved, too. Cristian Romero is now the undisputed leader back there, recently taking the captain's armband at Tottenham. Beside him, Lisandro Martínez and the veteran Nicolás Otamendi provide a "good cop, bad cop" dynamic.
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Scaloni’s 2026 qualifying lineups have shown a preference for high-pressing fullbacks. Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico are the regulars, but keep an eye on Julio Soler. The Bournemouth youngster has been a revelation in the final stages of the qualifiers, offering a more athletic alternative on the left.
The Midfield Engine Room
This is where the Argentina squad for World Cup dominance is won or lost. Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul are the "undroppables." Mac Allister has become one of the best "sixes" or "eights" in the world at Liverpool, and his ability to dictate tempo is the team's North Star.
Then you have the Enzo Fernández situation. After some ups and downs at Chelsea, he’s found his rhythm again. His "PlayStation" chemistry with Messi is still a major tactical weapon.
One name that might surprise people in the final 23? Alan Varela. The Porto midfielder is the "eraser" that allows the creative players to roam. If Argentina needs to lock down a 1-0 lead in North America, Varela is the first guy off the bench.
Who's Leading the Line?
Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are essentially 1A and 1B. Lautaro is the traditional "9" who can bully defenders, while Julián is the "Spider" who creates chaos with his movement.
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But look further down the list.
Giuliano Simeone—yes, Diego’s son—has forced his way into the conversation with his sheer work rate at Atlético Madrid. And for a wild card, José Manuel López from Palmeiras offers a height and aerial presence that Argentina usually lacks.
Group J and the Path to the Final
Argentina is heading into Group J. They open against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, followed by Austria and Jordan in Dallas. On paper, they should cruise. But as we saw against Saudi Arabia in 2022, nothing is guaranteed.
The "runaway winners" of the South American qualifiers are the favorites for a reason. They finished nine points clear of second-place Ecuador. They aren't just winning; they're dominating.
What to Watch For Next
If you’re trying to track the final Argentina squad for World Cup selection, watch the March friendlies. That’s when Scaloni usually trims the "50-man list" down to the serious contenders.
- Injury Reports: Watch the fitness of veteran defenders like Acuña and Pezzella; if they falter, youth will take over.
- The "Messi Announcement": Expect a final "yes" or "no" by late April or early May.
- Club Form: Thiago Almada’s performance in La Liga will determine if he’s a starter or a supersub.
The reality is that this team is no longer a one-man show. It’s a deep, versatile, and hungry group that actually looks better than the one that won it all four years ago.
Start looking for tickets to Kansas City and Dallas. This squad is coming to defend their star, and they have the depth to actually do it. Ensure you monitor the specific fitness of the aging "old guard" in the coming weeks, as Scaloni has shown zero hesitation in dropping legends for performing youngsters. The transition is happening in real-time. Keep a close eye on the minutes Nico Paz gets in the upcoming March window; that will be the ultimate tell for his role in the final tournament.