Argentina's World Cup 2022 Squad: Full List & Analysis

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 55 views

The Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup was a fascinating blend of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent, all orchestrated to support arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi, in his quest for the ultimate prize. Let's dive deep into the players who represented La Albiceleste in Qatar, analyzing their roles, strengths, and contributions to the team's eventual triumph.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping position was anchored by Emiliano Martínez, affectionately known as "Dibu." His performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of heroic.

Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa): Martínez's journey to becoming Argentina's number one is a testament to perseverance. After years as a backup in various clubs, he seized his opportunity and became a national hero. His penalty-saving heroics in the quarter-final against the Netherlands and the final against France will forever be etched in Argentinian football folklore. Beyond the shootouts, his commanding presence in the box, excellent reflexes, and ability to distribute the ball quickly made him a vital asset. Dibu brought a sense of confidence and swagger to the team, which resonated throughout the squad and the nation. His passion and dedication were evident in every game, solidifying his place as one of Argentina's greatest goalkeepers. He not only stopped shots, but also intimidated opponents with his mind games and unwavering self-belief. Dibu's influence extended beyond the field, as he became a vocal leader and a source of inspiration for his teammates. His journey from Arsenal backup to World Cup winner is a remarkable story of hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in one's abilities. He truly embodies the spirit of the Argentinian national team, fighting for every ball and never giving up hope, no matter the odds.
Franco Armani (River Plate): Armani provided valuable experience and stability as the backup goalkeeper. A veteran of the Argentinian league, he was a reliable option if needed. While he didn't feature prominently, his presence in the squad was important for maintaining a strong team environment.
Gerónimo Rulli (Villarreal): Rulli completed the goalkeeping trio, offering further depth in case of injuries or unforeseen circumstances. Like Armani, his experience at the club level was a valuable asset to the team.

Defenders

The Argentinian defense was a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging stars, providing a solid foundation for the team's attacking prowess.

Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica): A warrior at the back, Otamendi brought his characteristic aggression and aerial prowess to the Argentinian defense. His experience was crucial in guiding the younger players and organizing the backline. While sometimes prone to rash challenges, his commitment and passion were undeniable. Otamendi's leadership was evident both on and off the field, as he constantly communicated with his teammates and provided guidance in crucial moments. His partnership with Cristian Romero formed the backbone of the Argentinian defense, providing a solid and reliable foundation for the team's success. He relished the physical battles and never shied away from a challenge, embodying the fighting spirit of the Argentinian national team. Despite facing criticism at times, Otamendi remained a steadfast presence in the squad, proving his worth with his consistent performances and unwavering dedication to the cause. He is a true veteran and a leader, whose experience and grit were invaluable to Argentina's World Cup triumph.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur): Romero's arrival brought a new level of quality and dynamism to the defense. His aggressive tackling, pace, and ability to play out from the back made him a key player. He formed a strong partnership with Otamendi, providing a solid and reliable defensive foundation. Romero's confidence and composure belied his age, as he consistently made crucial interceptions and tackles. His ability to read the game and anticipate danger was exceptional, making him a formidable opponent for any attacker. He also contributed to the attack with his accurate long passes, launching quick counter-attacks. Romero's passion and determination were evident in every game, as he threw himself into every challenge with unwavering commitment. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Argentinian defense, and his performances throughout the World Cup were outstanding. His partnership with Otamendi was crucial to Argentina's success, providing a solid and impenetrable barrier for opposing attackers. Romero's future is bright, and he is destined to become a mainstay in the Argentinian defense for many years to come.
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United): Martínez provided versatility and composure to the defense. Capable of playing as a center-back or left-back, his ability to read the game and distribute the ball effectively made him a valuable asset. His aerial ability and tackling were also impressive.
Marcos Acuña (Sevilla): Acuña was the first-choice left-back, offering a tireless work rate and a threat in attack. His overlapping runs and crosses provided width and dynamism to the Argentinian attack. He was also solid defensively, contributing with tackles and interceptions.
Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon): Tagliafico provided a reliable alternative at left-back, offering experience and defensive solidity. He was a consistent performer and a valuable squad player.
Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla): Montiel etched his name in Argentinian football history by scoring the winning penalty in the World Cup final. While not always a starter, his composure under pressure and ability to perform his defensive duties effectively made him a valuable squad member.
Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid): Molina established himself as the first-choice right-back, impressing with his pace, energy, and attacking contributions. His overlapping runs and crosses provided a constant threat to opposing defenses. He also showed defensive resilience, contributing with tackles and interceptions.
Juan Foyth (Villarreal): Foyth provided cover at right-back and center-back, offering versatility and defensive solidity. His ability to play in multiple positions made him a valuable squad player.

Midfielders

The Argentinian midfield was a well-balanced unit, combining creativity, energy, and tactical discipline.

Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid): De Paul was the engine of the Argentinian midfield, providing tireless running, energy, and a relentless work rate. His ability to win back possession, drive forward with the ball, and create chances made him a vital player. De Paul's passion and commitment were evident in every game, as he covered every blade of grass and never gave up on a lost cause. He was also a key player in pressing the opposition and disrupting their attacks. De Paul's partnership with Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister formed the heart of the Argentinian midfield, providing a solid and dynamic foundation for the team's attacking play. He is a true box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His influence on the team was immense, and his performances throughout the World Cup were outstanding. De Paul's energy and determination were infectious, inspiring his teammates to raise their game and fight for every ball. He is a true warrior and a leader, whose contribution to Argentina's World Cup triumph cannot be overstated.
Enzo Fernández (Benfica): Fernández emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. His composure on the ball, range of passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game belied his young age. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Argentinian midfield, earning the Young Player Award for his outstanding performances. Enzo's vision and creativity unlocked opposition defenses, creating numerous chances for his teammates. His tackling and interceptions were also impressive, making him a valuable asset defensively. His rise to prominence was meteoric, and his performances in the World Cup cemented his status as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world. Enzo's partnership with De Paul and Mac Allister formed a formidable midfield trio, controlling the flow of the game and providing a solid foundation for Argentina's attacking play. His future is incredibly bright, and he is destined to become a superstar in the years to come. Enzo's impact on the Argentinian team was immediate and profound, and his contribution to their World Cup victory was undeniable.
Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion): Mac Allister provided creativity, technical ability, and a goal-scoring threat from midfield. His intelligent movement, passing range, and ability to arrive late in the box made him a valuable asset in attack. He also contributed defensively, pressing the opposition and winning back possession.
Leandro Paredes (Juventus): Paredes offered experience and defensive steel to the midfield. His tackling, interceptions, and ability to break up opposition attacks made him a valuable player in protecting the defense.
Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis): Rodríguez provided further defensive cover in midfield, offering a similar skillset to Paredes. His presence in the squad added depth and tactical flexibility.
Alejandro Gómez (Sevilla): Gómez, known as "Papu," brought creativity and flair to the midfield. His dribbling skills, passing range, and ability to unlock defenses made him a dangerous player in the final third. However, his playing time was limited due to injury and tactical decisions.
Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen): Palacios provided energy and work rate in midfield, offering a dynamic presence and contributing both defensively and offensively.

Forwards

The Argentinian attack was, of course, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, but it also featured a supporting cast of talented players.

Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain): What more can be said about Lionel Messi? The captain, the talisman, the legend. The 2022 World Cup was arguably his crowning achievement, finally lifting the trophy that had eluded him for so long. His goals, assists, dribbling, and sheer presence inspired the team and the nation. Messi's performances throughout the tournament were simply breathtaking, showcasing his unparalleled talent and unwavering determination. He scored crucial goals in every stage of the competition, including the final, and consistently created opportunities for his teammates. His leadership on and off the field was invaluable, guiding the team through difficult moments and inspiring them to achieve their ultimate goal. Messi's impact on Argentinian football is immeasurable, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure. The 2022 World Cup cemented his place in history, and he will forever be remembered as the man who brought the trophy home to Argentina. His journey to the top was filled with challenges and setbacks, but he never gave up on his dream. Messi's story is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, proving that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself. He is a true icon and a role model, whose impact extends far beyond the football field. Messi's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his name will forever be synonymous with greatness.
Ángel Di María (Juventus): Di María's contribution to the team was immense, scoring a crucial goal in the final and providing creativity and experience. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Di María's work rate and commitment were also exemplary, as he consistently tracked back to help defend and never shied away from a challenge. His partnership with Messi was a key factor in Argentina's success, as the two combined to create numerous scoring opportunities. Di María's World Cup triumph was a fitting reward for his years of dedication and service to the national team. He has been a consistent performer for Argentina for over a decade, and his experience and leadership were invaluable in Qatar. Di María's goal in the final was a moment of pure brilliance, showcasing his skill, composure, and determination. He is a true legend of Argentinian football, and his contribution to the team's World Cup victory will never be forgotten.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan): Martínez, despite not being at his clinical best during the tournament, remained a constant threat with his pace, movement, and goal-scoring instincts. While he missed some chances, his work rate and dedication were undeniable.
Julián Álvarez (Manchester City): Álvarez emerged as a key player, scoring crucial goals and providing a dynamic presence in attack. His energy, work rate, and clinical finishing made him a valuable asset. He seized his opportunity and quickly established himself as a regular starter.
Paulo Dybala (Roma): Dybala, returning from injury, provided a creative spark and a different dimension to the attack. His dribbling skills, passing range, and ability to score from distance made him a dangerous player in the final third. He scored a penalty in the shootout of the final.
Nicolás González (Fiorentina): González was initially part of the squad but was unfortunately ruled out due to injury before the tournament began.
Joaquín Correa (Inter Milan): Correa, like González, was also forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.

The Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Lionel Scaloni deserves immense credit for building a cohesive and motivated team. His tactical flexibility, man-management skills, and ability to create a strong team spirit were crucial to Argentina's success. He instilled a belief in the players and created an environment where they could thrive. Scaloni's leadership was evident throughout the tournament, as he made shrewd tactical adjustments and inspired his players to give their all. His decision to build the team around Messi proved to be a masterstroke, and he successfully integrated the younger players into the squad. Scaloni's calm and composed demeanor provided a sense of stability and reassurance to the team, and his ability to make tough decisions was crucial in navigating the challenges of the World Cup. He is a true leader and a tactician, whose contribution to Argentina's World Cup triumph cannot be overstated. Scaloni's journey from interim coach to World Cup-winning manager is a remarkable story of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself. He took a chance on young players and instilled a sense of unity and purpose within the squad. His tactical acumen and man-management skills were crucial to Argentina's success, and he deserves all the credit for leading the team to glory. Scaloni's legacy is secure, and he will forever be remembered as the man who brought the World Cup back to Argentina.

The Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup was a team of warriors, led by a genius, and guided by a shrewd coach. Their journey to glory was filled with challenges, but their unwavering belief in themselves and their commitment to each other ultimately led them to the ultimate prize. The names of these players will forever be etched in Argentinian football history, and their victory will be celebrated for generations to come. The 2022 World Cup will always be remembered as the tournament where Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of all time, surrounded by a team that fought tooth and nail for him and for their country. Guys, what a team!