Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni announced his 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Friday. The squad is looking pretty solid and they are one of the top contenders to lift the trophy.
Paulo Dybala made it into the squad despite being unfit. He suffered an injury while taking a penalty for AS Roma. However, his inclusion is a positive sign for the team ahead of the showpiece event.
Although key midfielder Giovani Lo Celso will miss the event due to an injury, the side has talented players to fill the spot. Seven-time Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi will lead the Argentine side.
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), Exequiel 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).
Argentina will kick-off their campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22. They will next lock horns with Mexico and Poland. Their group is a bit tricky and they need to be at their best to avoid any upsets.
Will Messi finally get his hands on the World Cup trophy?
Lionel Messi was just a step away from lifting the most prestigious trophy in world football. But the 2014 final ended in favor of Germany and Messi’s dream was shattered. This time, it will be his last opportunity to lift the cup. Their group is solid and they won the Copa America just the previous year.
