Argentina have named a familiar-looking squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi once again at the heart of the group as manager Lionel Scaloni opts for the continuity that has defined the defending champions' recent success.

The composition of the squad reflects how little has changed since Argentina's dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the final at Qatar 2022 — a triumph that ended the country's 36-year wait for a third World Cup title.

Scaloni has shown little appetite for wholesale changes, placing his faith in the same core of players who delivered that historic night in Lusail. The approach signals a clear message: if it is not broken, do not fix it.

Messi, now in his late thirties, remains the fulcrum of everything Argentina do. His presence in the squad was never truly in doubt, and his continued involvement at the highest level underlines the remarkable durability of one of football's greatest-ever players.

The experienced spine of the squad gives Argentina a settled, battle-hardened quality that few international sides can match heading into a tournament. Scaloni's loyalty to his trusted group has been a consistent thread throughout this remarkable cycle of success.