Lionel Scaloni has unveiled a squad that mirrors the Qatar‑2022 winners, keeping 17 of the 23 players who lifted the trophy. Only three newcomers—midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, utility man Nico González and defender Juan Foyth—replace injured or retired veterans. The continuity signals confidence in a group that still carries the Argentina World Cup aura.

The biggest omission is 38‑year‑old Ángel Di María, who retired after the 2024 Copa América triumph. His creative spark leaves a void that coach Scaloni hopes Julián Álvarez can fill, either as a second striker or by dropping into a No. 10 role. Youngsters Valentín Barco and Nico Paz also earn chances, but their impact will hinge on adapting to a system built around Messi’s playmaking.

Defensive selections reveal little change; veteran centre‑backs Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi anchor a back line that struggled against Australia, the Netherlands and France in 2022. With no fresh faces breaking through, Scaloni banks on experience to weather pressure. The squad now heads to North America with a clear identity and the task of defending their title.