Lionel Messi leads Argentina's 26-man final World Cup squad

South American champions Argentina released their team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday, November 11, 2022.

Argentina Head Coach Lionel Scaloni earlier stated that the team list would be released on the deadline day Monday, November 14 but opted to release it three days earlier.

Led by captain Lionel Messi a team of 26 players were selected to represent two-time world cup winners Argentina.

At the last world cup in Russia, Argentina were knocked out by eventual champions France in the round of 16.

They come to the tournament in Qatar after victory at the 2021 Copa America and also defeating European champions Italy to win the 2022 Finalissima trophy.

Argentina have a tough group against Robert Lewandowski-led Poland, then Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

After the failure to Germany in the 2014 final, many football fans will be backing Messi to finally win the biggest football trophy.

Lionel Messi has another chance to win the World Cup AFP

Argentina’s 26-man World Cup squad.

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal), Franco Armani (River Plate).

Defenders: Nahule Molina (Atlético Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Juan Foyth (Villarreal).

Midfielders: Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Alexis mac Allister (Brighton), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen).

Forwards: Angel di Maria (Juventus), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Juilan Alvarez (Manchester City), Nicolas Gonazales (Fiorentina), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Lionel Messi (PSG).

Before their opening group game against Saudi Arabia on November 22, Argentina has an international friendly against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).