World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Argentina

Qatar World Cup match ball

Qatar World Cup match ball Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/FIFA/Getty Images

Argentina are one of the favourites for the upcoming World Cup and Lionel Scaloni has announced his squad for the tournament.

The South Americans are coming into the tournament with a real sense they can finally win their first World Cup since 1986. 

The usual fractured nature of the squad seems to have transformed into a more cohesive unit. They have a nice blend of youth and experience who have recently tasted international success. 

It seems that Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa will start as first choice goalkeeper. Especially after his heroics during the Copa America campaign. He has also been a regular for his club. Franco Armani has also played in recent friendlies but looks set to be back-up. 

They seem to have a settled defence with experienced back-up available. Lisandro Martinez has hit the ground running since joining Manchester United. He could be joined by Cristian Romero of Tottenham.

The veteran Nicolas Otamendi could feature to provide experience. He might be tested against pacier attacks though. Nicolas Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina will probably flank either side. Gonzalo Montiel of Sevilla could also see some action at right-back with Marcus Acuna challenging for the left berth. 

In midfield, they seem to have found the necessary blend of glamour and grit. Rodrigo De Paul of Atletico Madrid seems to be the fulcrum of the midfield while his partner Leandro Paredes of Juventus is used to provide an element of steel. Guido Rodriguez could be asked to deputise for Paredes in a deeper role.

They also have players like Alexis McAllister and Enzo Fernandez to provide a creative spark when needed. 

Up front much of the attention is naturally on Lionel Messi. For the PSG player it could well be his final chance to win a World Cup and he has been in excellent form recently. Similarly, Angel Di Maria is approaching his swan-song. They do have enough of young attackers ready to make their mark.

Julian Alvarez has begun his Manchester City career well and Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan poised to take their chance. Paulo Dybala has been out of favour at Juventus but raises his game when called upon for his country. 



Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate) and Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Forwards: Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Lionel Messi (Paris St Germain), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City).

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile