Mexico: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will captain the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending weeks of speculation over the forward’s availability following a recent injury concern.
The announcement confirms Messi’s participation in what will be a record-extending sixth World Cup appearance for the 38-year-old, who previously featured in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, where he led Argentina to the title.
Messi had raised doubts after suffering muscle fatigue in his left hamstring during Inter Miami’s final Major League Soccer match before the international break. Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of a 6-4 win over Philadelphia, with club officials later stating his recovery would depend on clinical progress.
Despite the setback, Scaloni has included Messi in a 26-man squad that retains the core of the team that won the 2022 World Cup final against France. Seventeen players from that triumph have been named again.
Key absentees and emerging talents
One of the most notable omissions is Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono, widely regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest prospects. Other absentees include Emiliano Buendia and Paulo Dybala.
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The squad also features a mix of experience and youth, with call-ups for Nicolas Paz and Valentin Barco among the emerging talents. Cristian Romero was included despite a recent knee injury that has sidelined him for several weeks, while several established European-based players remain central to the squad structure.
Argentina 26-man World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nicolas Tagliafico
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Barco
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez
Tournament outlook
The expanded 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11. Argentina will open their campaign five days later against Algeria in Kansas City. Pre-tournament preparations include friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
Alongside Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa are also expected to feature in what could be a historic sixth World Cup appearance for multiple global stars.
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