Argentina announce World Cup squad, fans think Lionel Messi is leading them to glory
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named his 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, with many thinking it's strong enough to lift the trophy in Qatar.
Lionel Scaloni's side are among the favourites at the tournament after an incredible unbeaten run. Argentina haven't lost in 35 matches and won the 2021 Copa America.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is included in the squad despite a few concerns regarding his fitness in recent weeks.
Messi has confirmed this will be his final World Cup but missed PSG's 2-1 win over Lorient last Sunday through injury.
Advert
Paulo Dybala also makes it in. The AS Roma forward has been out since October with a thigh issue but manager Jose Mourinho confirmed his return to training on Friday.
In terms of Premier League players, five make it in. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is Argentina's number 1 while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur centre backs Lisandro Martinez and Christian Romero are reliable at the back.
Alexis Mac Allister earns a call-up following a solid start to the season with Brighton while Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez joins a star-studded attack.
Check out the full squad below:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal), Franco Armani (River Plate)
Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sporting CP), Nicolas Tagliafico, (Lyon), Juan Foyth (Villarreal)
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, (Atletico Madrid), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Attackers: Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Argentina are in Group C at the World Cup alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.
They start their campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22 before taking on Mexico on November 26. Finally, they face Poland on November 30.
Topics: Argentina, Lionel Messi
Daniel Marland