Argentina Squad for March 2026 FIFA Matchday: Messi & New Faces Called Up!

Buenos Aires – Lionel Scaloni has named a 28-player Argentina squad, including Lionel Messi, for their upcoming friendly against Guatemala on March 31st at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. The match serves as a crucial preparation opportunity for the reigning World Cup champions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. This fixture was arranged following the cancellation of the Finalissima against European champions Spain, originally scheduled for Doha, Qatar.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the squad list, with Scaloni aiming to provide valuable match experience for his players in a competitive environment. The cancellation of the Finalissima, due to complications stemming from conflict in the Middle East and disagreements over the match location, prompted the AFA to seek an alternative opponent to maintain momentum in their World Cup preparations.

Messi’s inclusion underscores his continued importance to the national team, despite his move to Inter Miami and adapting to a latest league. Scaloni clearly still relies on the veteran forward’s leadership and skill as Argentina looks to defend its title in 2026. The squad also features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, signaling Scaloni’s intent to build a strong and versatile team capable of competing at the highest level.

Como 1907 Duo Earn Call-Ups

Adding intrigue to the squad selection are the call-ups of Nico Paz and Máximo Perrone, both currently playing for Como 1907. Paz, a promising midfielder, has already earned six caps for Argentina since his debut in October 2024, demonstrating his rapid rise within the national team setup. Perrone, who has one senior appearance for Argentina, also receives a nod, highlighting the growing influence of players from the Italian club within the Argentine national team program. Como 1907, recently acquired by Indonesian ownership, is gaining recognition as a breeding ground for emerging talent.

Scaloni has also included Benfica’s Nicolás Otamendi and Gianluca Prestianni. Otamendi, a mainstay in the Argentine defense, boasts 129 caps and is fifth on Argentina’s all-time appearance list. Prestianni’s inclusion is notable, particularly given recent controversy surrounding allegations of racism directed towards him during a match. His selection suggests Scaloni is prioritizing on-field performance and team unity.

Notable Omissions and Injury Concerns

The squad announcement wasn’t without its surprises. Several players expected to be in contention were left out, including Joaquín Panichelli of Strasbourg, Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid, and Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea. The reasons for these omissions remain unclear, but likely reflect Scaloni’s tactical considerations and assessment of player form.

Lautaro Martinez, a consistent performer in Scaloni’s attack, is unavailable due to an ongoing injury. His absence will require Scaloni to explore alternative options in the forward line. The coach will be hoping other attacking players can step up and fill the void left by Martinez’s absence.

Other players included in the squad are Tomás Palacios, Gabriel Rojas, Valentín Barco, and Marcos Senesi, all of whom are vying for a place in the final World Cup roster. Scaloni’s decision to include these players suggests he is keen to assess their capabilities in a competitive setting.

Argentina’s Group in the 2026 World Cup

Argentina will face a challenging group in the 2026 World Cup, drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan. This friendly against Guatemala will be a vital opportunity for Scaloni to experiment with different formations and player combinations as he prepares his team for these crucial matches. The game will provide a realistic test against a different style of play, allowing Scaloni to fine-tune his tactics and identify areas for improvement.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers: (Details not provided in source)

Defenders: Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), (Details not provided in source)

Midfielders: (Details not provided in source)

Forwards: Lionel Messi, (Details not provided in source)

The match against Guatemala represents the final opportunity for players to impress Scaloni before he finalizes his World Cup squad. The stakes are high, and every player will be eager to showcase their abilities and earn a place on the plane to the 2026 tournament. Fans can expect a competitive and exciting encounter as Argentina prepares for its title defense.

Following the match against Guatemala, Scaloni will have a tough task narrowing down his squad to the final 26 players for the World Cup. The competition for places is fierce, and several players will be hoping to make a lasting impression in the coming weeks. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is scheduled to run from June 11th to July 19th.

Argentina’s next confirmed match is the friendly against Guatemala on March 31st. Fans can follow updates and analysis on Archysport.com as we continue to cover Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. What are your thoughts on Scaloni’s squad selection? Share your opinions in the comments below.