Who Made the Final Argentina Soccer Roster? Full Squad Revealed

As I sat watching the NorthPort game last week, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the careful selection process in basketball and what Lionel Scaloni must be going through right now with Argentina's final World Cup roster. That moment when Robbie Herndon missed the technical free throw—despite the four-point lead remaining for Batang Pier—really got me thinking about how crucial every single selection decision can be. One wrong choice, one missed opportunity, and even the most promising lineup can falter when it matters most.

Having followed Argentine football for over fifteen years, I've seen my fair share of roster surprises and heartbreaks. When Scaloni finally revealed his 26-man squad for Qatar, I found myself nodding along with most choices while raising an eyebrow at others. The inclusion of 34-year-old Ángel Di María, despite his recent injury concerns, shows Scaloni's belief in experienced players who've delivered in crucial moments. Meanwhile, the exclusion of Giovani Lo Celso—a player who's been instrumental in Villarreal's midfield—left me genuinely surprised. Statistics show Lo Celso created 2.3 chances per game last season, higher than several midfielders who made the cut, but Scaloni clearly values different qualities.

What strikes me most about this roster is how it balances youthful energy with veteran wisdom. At 35, Lionel Messi leads what might be his final World Cup campaign, surrounded by emerging talents like 22-year-old Julián Álvarez from Manchester City. Having watched Álvarez develop, I'm convinced he brings something unique—his 0.68 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League demonstrates efficiency Argentina desperately needs. Then there's the defensive lineup, where Cristian Romero's inclusion was never in doubt after his 87% tackle success rate with Tottenham last season. Though I would've preferred to see Lisandro Martínez start alongside him, Scaloni seems to favor Nicolás Otamendi's experience, and honestly, I can see the logic there.

The midfield selection particularly interests me because it reveals Scaloni's tactical approach. Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, and Guido Rodríguez form what I'd describe as a workmanlike rather than spectacular core. While they might not produce highlight-reel moments, their combined defensive work rate—averaging 12.3 successful pressures per game between them—creates the platform that allows Messi and company to flourish further forward. This reminds me of that NorthPort situation I mentioned earlier—sometimes it's the unglamorous, consistent performers who maintain your advantage even when the flashy plays don't come off.

Between the posts, Emiliano Martínez's selection as first-choice goalkeeper was perhaps the least surprising decision. Having watched his penalty-saving heroics in the Copa América, I'd argue he's possibly the most in-form goalkeeper heading to Qatar. His 78% save percentage in Premier League matches this season doesn't fully capture his big-match temperament, something that statistics often struggle to quantify. What does concern me slightly is the backup situation—Franco Armani and Gerónimo Rulli are capable, but neither has Martínez's presence or recent form at the highest level.

Looking at the attacking options beyond Messi, I'm particularly excited about Lautaro Martínez's inclusion despite his occasional profligacy at Inter Milan. His movement off the ball creates space for others, and his 15 international goals in 38 appearances shows he delivers when wearing the albiceleste. Then there's the curious case of Paulo Dybala—making the squad despite injury concerns. As someone who's watched his entire career unfold, I've always felt Dybala performs best when given creative freedom, something that's harder to accommodate alongside Messi. Scaloni must have a specific role in mind, perhaps as an impact substitute against tiring defenses.

The full-back positions reveal another interesting selection philosophy. Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel offer contrasting strengths—Molina's attacking overlaps versus Montiel's defensive solidity. Having analyzed their performances, I'd give Molina the nod for most matches, given his 4 assists in La Liga this season compared to Montiel's 1. Yet in knockout football against stronger opponents, Montiel's positioning and discipline might prove more valuable. This flexibility shows Scaloni's understanding that different situations require different solutions.

What ultimately impresses me about this squad is how it's been constructed with specific tournament challenges in mind. The 26-player limit forces tough choices, and while I might quibble with one or two omissions, the overall balance looks right. The inclusion of 5 players aged 30 or older provides tournament experience, while the 7 players aged 24 or younger inject energy for what will be a compressed schedule. Having witnessed Argentina's campaign in Russia 2018, I believe this squad has better depth and more varied tactical options.

As the World Cup approaches, I keep returning to that NorthPort game I mentioned at the beginning. Basketball and football are different sports, but the principle remains—selection decisions create ripple effects throughout a tournament. One player's missed opportunity becomes another's chance to shine. With Argentina's squad now finalized, the real work begins. The pieces are in place, the balance looks right, and if Scaloni has judged his selections as well as I believe he has, this could finally be Argentina's moment after 36 years of waiting. Though if there's one thing I've learned from years of watching football, it's that on-paper rosters only tell half the story—the remaining chapters will be written on the pitch in Qatar.