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Captain Lionel Messi’s selection comes despite recent concerns surrounding his fitness.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to title triumph in Qatar. (AP Photo)
Lionel Messi is set to make history once again after Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Thursday that the legendary forward will captain the reigning champions at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
At 38, Messi is poised to appear in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, further cementing his status as one of football’s greatest players. Although the Argentine icon had not publicly confirmed his participation before the squad announcement, expectations had been growing that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would return to lead his country four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar.
Scaloni officially included Messi in Argentina’s 26-man squad on Thursday, ending any lingering uncertainty over the superstar’s involvement.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11, with Argentina opening their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City five days later.
Messi’s selection comes despite recent concerns surrounding his fitness. Inter Miami revealed earlier this week that medical tests showed muscle fatigue in the forward’s left hamstring after he exited Sunday’s dramatic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute.
The Major League Soccer side did not provide a timeline for his recovery, fueling speculation over his condition ahead of the tournament. However, Scaloni downplayed fears over the injury, suggesting the issue was not considered serious.
Argentina also welcomed back defender Cristian Romero, despite the Tottenham Hotspur captain recently suffering a knee injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the Premier League season after a collision involving Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey and his own goalkeeper.
While Messi remains the centerpiece of Argentina’s ambitions, the squad also reflects the country’s next generation of talent. Eighteen-year-old Franco Mastantuono, widely regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest young prospects, was notably left out of the final roster.
Young stars Nicolas Paz and Valentin Barco both earned call-ups, while Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez retained his place after making his international debut only last year.
Seventeen members of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad from Qatar have been retained as Scaloni looks to balance continuity with emerging talent.
Several high-profile names failed to make the cut, including Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia and Roma forward Paulo Dybala.
Before beginning their World Cup title defense, Argentina will travel to the United States for warm-up matches against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9. Their group-stage opponents also include Austria and Jordan.
Messi will not be the only veteran aiming to make World Cup history this summer. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa are also expected to feature in their sixth tournaments.
Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, ENG), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille, FRA), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid, ESP)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate, ARG), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United, ENG), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica, POR), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille, FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur, ENG), Facundo Medina (Marseille, FRA), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon, FRA)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors, ARG), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami, USA), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, GER), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea, ENG), Alexis MacAllister (Liverpool, ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis, ESP), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
Attackers: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, USA), Nicolas Paz (Como, ITA), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, ITA), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras, BRA)
With AFP Inputs
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