Argentina Squad for March 2026 Friendlies: Lionel Messi Leads Albicelestes, Check Full List of Players

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As Argentina prepares for a homecoming double-header, head coach Lionel Scaloni has been forced to get creative with his selections.

Following the cancellation of the high-profile Finalissima against Spain, the world champions will host Mauritania and Zambia in what serves as a vital "farewell" window before the 2026 World Cup. However, the squad has been hit by a wave of late withdrawals that have paved the way for the next generation of Argentine stars to take center stage.

The biggest blow to Argentina is the absence of Lautaro Martinez, who was forced to withdraw after suffering a calf injury during a training session. He is joined on the sidelines by defender Gonzalo Montiel, whose muscle injury led to the late call-up of Palmeiras' rising star Agustin Giay. Perhaps most tragically, young forward Joaquin Panichelli originally a standout inclusion suffered an ACL tear in Buenos Aires, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup entirely. With Lisandro Martinez also out with recurring fitness issues, Scaloni's defensive and offensive depth is being tested.

Full Argentina Squad for March 2026 Friendlies

Lionel Scaloni's 28-man roster is anchored by the world's most formidable goalkeeping and defensive core. Between the posts, Emiliano Martinez continues as the undisputed number one, supported by the experienced Geronimo Rulli and Walter Daniel Benitez.

The defensive line remains robust despite the injuries, featuring veterans Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Marcos Acuna, alongside the elite pairing of Cristian Romero and Marcos Senesi. The squad also integrates younger defensive options such as Nahuel Molina, Juan Foyth, and the newly-promoted Agustin Giay, with Kevin Mac Allister, Julio Soler, and Matias Moreno rounding out a versatile backline.
The engine room of the world champions remains their greatest strength, headlined by the Premier League duo of Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul.

They are joined by the tactical reliability of Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, and Giovani Lo Celso, while the inclusion of "wonderkids" Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), and Claudio Echeverri highlights a shift toward youthful creativity. Thiago Almada, Alan Varela, Maximo Perrone, and Emi Buendia provide further depth to a midfield that can adapt to any tactical scenario Scaloni chooses to deploy.

In the final third, all eyes remain on captain Lionel Messi, who will lead the line alongside Julian Alvarez. With Lautaro Martinez absent, more responsibility falls on the shoulders of Nicolas Gonzales, Giuliano Simeone, and Jose Manuel Lopez, while Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni earns his spot as a dynamic option off the bench. This blend of legendary experience and raw, technical talent defines the team as they begin their final descent toward the title defense this summer.

Squad

Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gabriel Rojas, Marcos Acuna, Agustin Giay, Leandro Paredes, Maximo Perrone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Valentin Barco, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Gianluca Prestianni, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada, Jose Lopez, Julian Alvarez

Fixtures and Schedule

Both matches will be played in the electric atmosphere of Buenos Aires, providing the fans one last chance to see the team on home soil before they depart for North America.

March 27, 2026: Argentina vs. Mauritania (Estadio Alberto J. Armando, 8:15 PM local)
March 31, 2026: Argentina vs. Zambia (Estadio Alberto J. Armando, 8:15 PM local)