BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Argentina is taking nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards to the World Cup in Qatar as coach Lionel Scaloni's team aims to build on its Copa America success.
Scaloni announced his 26-player squad — which contains two fewer forwards than the roster for traditional rival Brazil — in a video on Friday.
Argentina won the Copa America title in 2021, its first major trophy in 28 years, with 21 of the players chosen Friday having been in the Copa America squad.
Lionel Messi's team is unbeaten in 35 matches.
The 35-year-old Messi, who will play his fifth and likely last World Cup, is joined by other veterans in the squad, including striker Angel Di María (34), defender Nicolas Otamendi (34) and goalkeeper Franco Armani (36).
Argentina has also rejuvenated its team since the 2018 World Cup, including forward Lautaro Martínez.
Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso sustained a hamstring injury at the end of last month that ruled him out of the tournament.
Argentina opens in Qatar against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22. Mexico and Poland are also in Group C.
Argentina's World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal), Franco Armani (River Plate)
Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuna (both Sevilla), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Juan Foyth (Villarreal)
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Papu Gomez (Sevilla), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa (both Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
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