Argentina’s squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup
My Football Facts ⇒ Articles
By Martin Graham | 13th Nov 2022
On the afternoon of Friday, 11th of November, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni announced the final Argentina squad that will be heading to Qatar with the aim of leaving the Middle Eastern nation with the World Cup trophy in tow. Argentina were last World Cup winners in 1986, led by Diego Maradona.
Scaloni has named a strong squad full of some of the most recognizable and successful names in World football.
Alongside Lionel Messi, his former PSG teammate Angel Di Maria will be heading to his third and potentially is last World Cup as part of the more experienced squad members. Leandro Paredes, who like Di Maria was one of Messi’s former teammates at PSG has been selected for the national team and may play a key role in central midfield.
Benfica’s impressive midfielder, Enzo Fernandez has been one of the shining stars of the Portuguese team who have remained undefeated all season. It s no surprise that he is in the World Cup squad.
Five players that play in the English top flight were also called up to the national team. Manchester United’s star defender, Lisandro Martinez is likely to start every game for Argentina in the center of defence with Tottenham’s Christian Romero a potential partner for him. Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has not featured regularly for his club this season but has been handed a callup for the World Cup. Emiliano Martinez, who played a key role in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America win will be required to show the same form again in Qatar. The Aston Villa keeper will most likely retain the number one jersey.
In one of the more surprising additions to the World Cup squad, Alexis Mac Allister has selected to play at the World Cup. The Brighton midfielder has played his way into Lionel Scaloni’s plans and could potentially get good minutes in the absence of Giovanni Lo Celso.
Manchester United youngster, Alejandro Garnacho unfortunately will not be on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup despite the 18-year-old’s impressive form and performances for the English side recently.
Argentina Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Emi Martínez, Franco Armani, Geronimo Rulli
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico, Juan Foyth
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Di María, Nico Gonzalez
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Papu Gomez, Lautaro Martínez, Julian Alvarez, Joaquin Correa
Abiceleste begin their World Cup campaign on November 22 against Saudi Arabia. They have also been drawn in the same group with Mexico and Poland.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
