Lionel Messi Set for Historic Sixth FIFA World Cup With Argentina
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to make history after being named in the national squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
The 38-year-old forward will lead defending champions Argentina as they attempt to retain the World Cup title they won in Qatar 2022 after defeating France in a dramatic final.
Messi Joins Exclusive World Cup Record List
With his selection confirmed by head coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi will become one of only two male footballers to appear in six FIFA World Cups, alongside Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player, having featured in 26 matches across previous tournaments.
The Argentine legend, who turns 39 during the competition, continues to play a central role for his national team despite concerns earlier this week over muscle fatigue suffered during an Inter Miami match in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami later confirmed the issue was not considered a serious injury.
Argentina Aim to Defend World Cup Crown
Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions and one of the tournament favorites.
Seventeen players from the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar have been included once again, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defender Cristian Romero, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, and striker Julián Álvarez.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández are also part of the squad despite recent injury concerns affecting several players.
Scaloni’s side will begin their World Cup campaign in Group J against Algeria in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan in Dallas.
Argentina’s Group Stage Fixtures
– Argentina vs Algeria — June 17
– Argentina vs Austria — June 22
– Argentina vs Jordan — June 28
Messi Closing In on 200 Argentina Appearances
Messi has currently made 198 appearances for Argentina and could reach the historic 200-match milestone before the World Cup begins.
Argentina are scheduled to play friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland ahead of the tournament as part of their final preparations.
The Inter Miami forward remains Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 116 international goals.
Notable Omissions From Argentina Squad
Several high-profile players were left out of Argentina’s final 26-man World Cup roster.
Aston Villa midfielder Emi Buendía, Roma forward Paulo Dybala, and highly rated teenage winger Franco Mastantuono were among the biggest absentees.
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was also omitted following disciplinary issues that reportedly led to a suspension for the opening matches of the tournament.
Full Argentina Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers
– Emiliano Martínez
– Juan Musso
– Gerónimo Rulli
Defenders
– Cristian Romero
– Lisandro Martínez
– Nicolás Otamendi
– Nahuel Molina
– Gonzalo Montiel
– Nicolás Tagliafico
– Leonardo Balerdi
– Facundo Medina
Midfielders
– Alexis Mac Allister
– Enzo Fernández
– Rodrigo De Paul
– Leandro Paredes
– Giovani Lo Celso
– Ezequiel Palacios
– Valentín Barco
Forwards
– Lionel Messi
– Julián Álvarez
– Lautaro Martínez
– Nicolás González
– Thiago Almada
– Giuliano Simeone
– Nico Paz
– José Manuel López
With Messi once again leading the squad, Argentina supporters will hope the legendary forward can inspire another memorable World Cup run in North America.
