Messi leads Argentina in friendly match against Guatemala in 2026 FIFA World Cup; Full team

Lionel Messi was called up on Wednesday for a March 31 friendly against Guatemala as Argentina prepares to defend its FIFA World Cup title.

The match at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires was arranged after the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain in Qatar on March 27 was canceled due to the conflict in West Asia.

Coach Lionel Scaloni left out striker Lautaro Martinez, defender Lisandro Martinez and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso due to physical problems.

Jose Manuel Lopez of Palmeiras in Brazil was called up in place of Lautaro, while Estudiantes de La Plata defender Tomás Palacios and Racing Club full-back Gabriel Rojas received their first call-ups to the senior national team.

READ ALSO | WATCH: Messi scores 900th career goal to join Ronaldo in elite list msds.

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was called up despite being embroiled in controversy over alleged racist comments against Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match.

Three-time champion Argentina is in a group with Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

ENTIRE TEAM

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso

• Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gabriel Rojas, Marcos Acuna

• Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Maximo Perrone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Valentin Barco, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios

• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Gianluca Prestianni, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada, Jose Lopez, Julian Alvarez

Published on March 19, 2026