Lionel Messi will be on a mission in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Argentina will be there to support him.
The 35-year-old legend is attempting to cap off his illustrious career by winning the sport's most prestigious prize, which he has failed to do in four previous attempts. He has already stated that this is his last World Cup.
Brazil and France are the two pre-tournament favorites, but Argentina winning the World Cup is a very likely outcome in December given the run of results that manager Lionel Scaloni has marshaled: a 35-match unbeaten streak that is only three short of the world record.
Since taking over in 2018, Scaloni has subtly shaped this team, and his efforts culminated in the 2021 Copa America victory on Brazilian soil, giving Messi his first trophy with the senior national team and finally relieving him of the criticism that accompanied him on his trips for his country.
Argentina's popularity is only growing after thrashing Euro champs Italy earlier this summer, especially with what appears to be an advantageous draw and path to the final in Qatar.
The fitness of Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria, and Exequiel Palacios was questioned, but the trio made the squad, while Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is out injured.
Despite speculation that the Manchester United newcomer would be overlooked in the face of stiff defensive competition, Lisandro Martinez is included.
Neither Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa nor Napoli forward Giovanni Simeone will be joining an attacking lineup led by seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.
United fans have been clamoring for the inclusion of Alejandro Garnacho. The teenager, who has previously made preliminary squads but has yet to win a senior cap, has recently been involved in the United first team and delivered a star cameo off the bench in the 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa - but he will have to wait.
Argentina's World Cup squad for 2022 is as follows:
Armani Franco (GK)
Emiliano Martinez (GK)
Geronimo Rulli (GK)
Juan Foyth (DEF) Lisandro Martinez (DEF) Nahuel Molina (DEF)
Gonzalo Montiel (DEF) Nicolas Otamendi (DEF)
German Pezzella (DEF)
Cristian Romero (DEF)
Nicolas Tagliafico (DEF)
Marcos Acuna (MID)
Rodrigo De Paul (MID), Enzo Fernandez (MID), Alejandro Gomez (MID), Alexis Mac Allister (MID), Exequiel Palacios (MID), and Leandro Paredes (MID)
Guido
Enzo Fernandez (MID) Rodrigo De Paul (MID) Alejandro Gomez (MID) Alexis Mac Allister (MID) Exequiel Palacios (MID) Leandro Paredes (MID) Guido Rodriguez (MID) Julian Alvarez
Joaquin Correa (FWD) Angel Di Maria (FWD) Paulo Dybala (FWD) Nico Gonzalez (FWD) Lautaro Martinez (FWD) Lionel Messi
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