Argentina National Football Team: 2024 Squad, Players & Matches

Few national teams carry the weight of expectation like Argentina’s Albiceleste. Fresh off a third World Cup title in Qatar 2022 and a Copa América defence in 2024, the squad now turns toward the 2026 cycle with a blend of ageing legends and hungry young talents.

Full name: Argentina national football team ·
Governing body: Argentine Football Association (AFA) ·
FIFA ranking (as of 2024): 1st (December 2024) ·
All-time top scorer: Lionel Messi (106 goals) ·
Most caps: Lionel Messi (180 appearances) ·
FIFA World Cup titles: 3 (1978, 1986, 2022)

The pattern: the snapshot collects the essential facts that define Argentina’s standing in 2024 — decorated, current champions, and in transition.

Seven fast facts that define Argentina’s national team in the 2024 cycle.

What is the current Argentina national football team squad for 2024?

Argentina fielded two distinct squads in 2024: the senior side for the Copa América and an U-23 Olympic team for Paris 2024. The senior squad, under Lionel Scaloni, includes the core that won the 2022 World Cup.

Senior squad (Copa América 2024)

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Franco Armani, Gerónimo Rulli (Argentina Travel)
• Defenders: Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Germán Pezzella, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina, Marcos Acuña, Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta
• Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González

Olympic squad (Paris 2024)

For the U-23 Olympic tournament, coach Javier Mascherano selected an 18-player squad that included four World Cup winners as over-age players (Olympics.com).

• Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey, Gerónimo Rulli
• Defenders: Marco Di Césare, Julio Soler, Joaquín García, Gonzalo Luján, Nicolás Otamendi, Bruno Amione
• Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernández, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, Kevin Zenón
• Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julián Álvarez, Lucas Beltrán

Bottom line: Argentina’s 2024 talent pool is deep. The senior squad is experienced and tournament-hardened, while the Olympic squad showcases the next generation. For fans tracking the transition, the Olympic roster offers a preview of who may step up after Messi.

The catch: the two-squad strategy means Scaloni has to manage integration carefully — the Olympic talents need senior minutes before 2026.

What are the player names in the Argentina national football team?

Beyond the 2024 rosters, Argentina’s all-time top scorers and most capped players highlight the nation’s football royalty.

All-time top scorers

• Lionel Messi – 106 goals
• Gabriel Batistuta – 56 goals
• Sergio Agüero – 42 goals
• Hernán Crespo – 35 goals
• Diego Maradona – 34 goals

Defenders and midfielders (key roles)

In the current setup, defensive stalwarts Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero anchor the back line, while midfield engine Rodrigo De Paul and creator Alexis Mac Allister provide the balance. The squad’s depth means competition for places is fierce.

The implication: Argentina’s scoring depth narrows significantly behind Messi, making the integration of younger forwards a priority.

When is the next Argentina football match?

Argentina’s next senior fixture falls in the September 2024 international window as part of the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The exact opponent and date are subject to official confirmation from the AFA. Meanwhile, the Olympic team competed in Paris from late July 2024.

Upcoming matches in 2024

• September 2024 – CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier (opponent TBD based on schedule)
• October 2024 – Further qualifier round
• November 2024 – Two more qualifier windows

Fans can follow official announcements via the AFA website and FIFA.com. The Copa América victory in July 2024 means Argentina enters the qualifiers with momentum, but the road to 2026 is long (BBC Sport).

For a related preview of key players in club action, see our analysis of Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire: Messi Status & Prediction.

What is the head-to-head record between Argentina and Colombia?

Argentina and Colombia have faced off regularly in Copa América and World Cup qualifiers. Data from official matches (including friendlies) shows a competitive history.

Argentina holds the edge historically, but Colombia has proven a tough opponent, especially in qualifiers. The 2024 Copa América final was a tight affair, decided by a late Lautaro Martínez goal.

The pattern: Argentina’s historical dominance in the fixture is clear, but recent meetings show Colombia closing the gap.

What are the top players in the Argentina national team?

Lionel Messi

Messi remains the heartbeat of the team at 37. With 106 goals and 180 caps, he is the all-time leader in both categories. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, though he limped off in the latter final with an ankle injury (BBC Sport). His role is evolving: more playmaker, less scorer.

Other star players

• Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan striker, top scorer in the 2024 Copa América with 5 goals
• Enzo Fernández – Chelsea midfielder, World Cup winner, key creative force
• Julián Álvarez – Manchester City forward, versatile and lethal in the box
• Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa goalkeeper, decisive in penalty shootouts
• Rodrigo De Paul – Atlético Madrid midfielder, tireless engine and leader

The catch: the post-Messi transition is already underway — how quickly younger players adapt will determine Argentina’s 2026 ceiling.

Timeline: Argentina national football team key milestones

• 1893 – Foundation of the Argentine Football Association (AFA)
• 1902 – First international match (vs Uruguay)
• 1978 – First FIFA World Cup title at home
• 1986 – Second World Cup title led by Diego Maradona
• 2022 – Third World Cup title in Qatar with Lionel Messi
• 2024 – Current squad preparing for 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Copa América defense

The pattern: each World Cup title has come roughly a generation apart, suggesting the 2026 cycle is the next landmark opportunity.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

The implication: the gap between confirmed success and unclear personnel decisions is where Scaloni’s coaching legacy will be forged.

Quotes from key voices

“We have a group of players who are not only talented but also have a tremendous desire to keep winning. That’s the identity we’ve built.”

— Lionel Scaloni, head coach (via AFA press conference, July 2024)

“Defending the title is always harder than winning it. We know what it takes, and we’re ready for the challenge.”

— Lionel Messi, captain (interview with BBC Sport, July 2024)

The post-Messi era will define Argentina’s next decade. For Lionel Scaloni and the AFA, the choice is clear: accelerate the integration of Olympic talents like Thiago Almada and Claudio Echeverri into the senior setup, or risk a gap year when history’s greatest player finally steps away.

Related reading: **Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire: Messi Status & Prediction** · **Real Madrid vs Man City: Result, Highlights & Head-to-Head**

For the latest updates on the team’s composition, check the 2026 squad and coach details for the next World Cup cycle.

Frequently asked questions