Argentina National Team 2026: Messi’s Future, Squad & Brazil

FIFA World Cup titles: 3 (1978, 1986, 2022) · Copa América titles: 16 · FIFA Ranking (January 2025): 1st · Top scorer: Lionel Messi (109 goals)

The table below summarizes key facts about the Argentina national team.

Is Messi playing in the 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Messi has not yet committed to a sixth World Cup. In a 2024 interview, he said: I’ll decide after the Copa América. I want to enjoy the present. Since then, Argentina won the 2024 Copa América, and Messi remains in the squad for qualifiers. FIFA’s official announcement lists Messi in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, but that list is provisional. The decision rests with Messi—and his body.

Why is Messi not in Argentina’s squad?

Messi has never been permanently excluded. Occasional absences from international friendlies or qualifiers have been due to rest or minor injuries, not a squad omission. As of now, ESPN’s current roster still lists him at age 38.

What is Lionel Messi diagnosed with?

Unconfirmed reports suggest Messi has a chronic gastrointestinal condition. No official statement from Messi, his club, or the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed this. The claim remains speculative.

Is Leo Messi a billionaire?

Forbes and other outlets estimate Messi’s net worth at roughly $600 million. He is not a confirmed billionaire—unlike, say, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose net worth exceeds $1 billion.

Bottom line: Messi is active and listed, but his final decision after his “one day at a time” approach will determine whether Argentina fields its greatest ever player or pivots to a post-Messi core.

Who is the best player in Argentina’s team?

Lionel Messi is widely considered the best. He won the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball and the 2023 Ballon d’Or. Behind him, Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez form a strong supporting cast.

• Lionel Messi: 109 goals, 187 caps (ESPN)
• Emiliano Martínez: 33, World Cup hero
• Lautaro Martínez: Inter Milan striker, key in 2024 Copa América
• Julián Álvarez: Manchester City forward

The implication: Messi remains the creative engine, but the depth behind him means Argentina can still dominate even when he sits.

Who is best, Brazil or Argentina?

A rivalry 107 years old. Brazil has five World Cup titles to Argentina’s three. But recent form favors Argentina: they won the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil, the 2022 World Cup (Brazil were eliminated by Croatia), and the 2024 Copa América. Current FIFA ranking: Argentina #1, Brazil #5. Head-to-head: Argentina 42 wins, Brazil 44 wins, 26 draws.

The trade-off: Brazil’s five stars still outshine Argentina’s three, but the current squad depth and momentum belong to the Albiceleste.

Below is a direct comparison of the two rivals.

The implication: While Brazil’s history is deeper, Argentina holds the momentum and tactical edge heading into 2026.

Argentina national football team players 2026

Several outlets have published projected squads. FourFourTwo’s March 2026 selection includes:

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso
• Defenders: Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Tagliafico
• Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Valentín Barco
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Nico González, Nicolás Paz, Giuliano Simeone, José Manuel López

Bleacher Report’s projection similarly places Messi, Álvarez, and Lautaro as the attacking trio, with De Paul, Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández in midfield. Young talents like Franco Mastantuono (18) and Alejandro Garnacho are also in the conversation.

Bottom line: Argentina’s 2026 squad retains 17 of the 2022 title-winning core, adding youthful energy in Garnacho and Mastantuono. Scaloni’s challenge is integrating new blood without losing chemistry.

Argentina National Team Facebook and Social Media

Want official updates? The Argentine Football Association runs multiple channels:

• Facebook: AFASeleccionEN (English-language)
• Instagram: @afaseleccionen
• Official store: official Argentina store

The implication: For fans, these accounts provide direct access to the team’s latest news and merchandise.

Timeline: Argentina’s road to 2026

• 1978: First World Cup title (home soil) FIFA
• 1986: Second World Cup, Maradona’s masterpiece FIFA
• 2022: Third World Cup, Messi lifts the trophy FIFA
• 2024: 16th Copa América title CONMEBOL
• 2025–2026: World Cup qualifiers, squad finalization, Messi’s decision

The pattern: History shows that age is a significant factor, but Messi’s skill may defy the odds.

Confirmed facts vs. uncertainties

What this means: The team must prepare for both scenarios.

Voices from the camp

I’ll decide after the Copa América. I want to enjoy the present.Lionel Messi, interview (2024)

Argentina’s spirit cannot be measured. We never give up, we always believe.Diego Maradona (historical quote)

Messi is still the best. When he’s on the pitch, we have an extra man.Lionel Scaloni, press conference

These quotes highlight the team’s mentality and the respect Messi commands.

What this means for 2026

Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champions, a rare feat. The core that won in Qatar is aging but the pipeline is strong. The biggest variable remains Messi. If he plays, Argentina is an automatic contender. If he doesn’t, Scaloni must rely on a talented but untested attack. For Argentine fans, the choice is clear: hope for one more dance, or prepare for the post-Messi era. The squad sheets are ready—the only missing piece is the captain’s final word.

Frequently asked questions