Argentina taking fewer forward than Brazil to World Cup

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina are taking nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forward to the World Cup in Qatar as coach Lionel Scaloni’s team aim to build on their Copa America success. Scaloni announced his 26-player squad — which contains two fewer forward than the roster for traditional rival Brazil — in a video on Friday. He is scheduled to speak about his choices on Monday.

Argentina won the Copa America in 2021, their first major trophy in 28 years. The World Cup squad has 21 players from the Copa America. Lionel Messi’s team are unbeaten in 35 matches.

The 35-year-old Messi, who will play his fifth and likely last World Cup, is joined by other veterans including striker Ángel Di María (34), defender Nicolás Otamendi (34) and goalkeeper Franco Armani (36). Argentina have also rejuvenated the team since the 2018 World Cup by including forward Lautaro Martínez, and midfielder Enzo Fernández after only a couple of games for the national team. Fernández has quickly adapted to European soccer in his first season with Benfica.

Rodrigo de Paul, who will have the extra burden of protecting Messi, said on Instagram his dream of playing a World Cup had come true. “I can’t describe what one feels in being able to represent his country in a World Cup,” he said. “But I can say that we will leave our souls for every Argentinian to be proud of how we hold our flag.” Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez was also chosen but Scaloni left out Atletico Madrid’s Ángel Correa and Napoli’s Giovanni Simeone, forward who have had a good start to the season in Europe.