Argentina roster for March 2026: Will Messi make squad list for rearranged Guatemala friendly?

Buenos Aires — When the Finalissima against Spain evaporated amid Middle-East hostilities, the Argentine Football Association found itself with an empty date on the calendar and a coaching staff eager for one last look at its player pool before the 2026 World Cup. The solution: a hastily arranged friendly against Guatemala, to be staged at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera on 31 March.

Lionel Scaloni, who guided the Albiceleste to both the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, used the unexpected window to summon a 26-man squad that balances star power with evaluation opportunities. Headlining the list is 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi, whose early-season form with Inter Miami has quieted some speculation that he might be excused from the single-match window. The forward’s inclusion ensures that, should this summer’s World Cup prove his international swansong, he will have enjoyed a farewell on home soil.

Uncapped defenders Tomás Palacios and Gabriel Rojas received maiden call-ups, while 19-year-old winger Gianluca Prestianni’s surprise inclusion gives Scaloni a firsthand glimpse at one of the country’s most talked-about teenagers. The squad’s most conspicuous absentee is striker Lautaro Martínez, still rehabilitating an injury suffered with Inter Milan. Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, limited by a persistent groin issue, was also omitted, along with midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Emiliano Buendía.

The match will serve as Argentina’s only preparatory fixture on native ground before Scaloni trims his provisional list ahead of the tournament that kicks off in June. With caps tallied through 18 November 2025, the roster announced on 18 March is expected to mirror—though not perfectly replicate—the group that will attempt to defend the world title.

Kick-off at La Bombonera is scheduled for 20:30 local time, with ticket sales beginning Tuesday. Argentine supporters will hope the evening ends with their side sharp and their captain upright, setting the stage for one last global pursuit.

Argentina 26-man squad vs. Guatemala Goalkeepers: (not listed in source) Defenders: Tomás Palacios, Gabriel Rojas (both uncapped), plus others not specified Midfielders: (full list not specified; Lo Celso and Buendía not included) Forwards: Lionel Messi, Gianluca Prestianni; Lautaro Martínez omitted

SEO keywords: