Lionel Messi will lead Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being named in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad for the tournament.
The Inter Miami forward, who will turn 39 during the competition, is now set to play in his sixth World Cup as Argentina begin the defence of the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
Messi captained Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022, when they defeated France on penalties in one of the most dramatic finals in football history.
His inclusion comes after concerns over his fitness, following his substitution during Inter Miami’s latest Major League Soccer match on Monday.
However, the club said Messi had not sustained an injury and was only suffering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
Messi Set For Historic Sixth World Cup
Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player, having featured 26 times at the tournament.
If he plays at the 2026 edition, he will join Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male players to appear in six World Cups.
Ronaldo, 41, is also expected to feature at the tournament this summer.
Messi has made 198 appearances for Argentina and scored 116 goals for his country.
He could reach 200 international caps before the World Cup if he plays in Argentina’s friendly matches against Honduras in Texas on June 7 and Iceland in Alabama on June 9.
Scaloni Keeps Faith With Qatar Heroes
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has kept faith with many of the players who delivered the country’s famous 2022 World Cup victory.
Seventeen members of the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar have been selected again as Argentina look to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was named best goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup, is included in the squad.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero have also been named.
Romero’s inclusion comes despite the defender missing the end of the Premier League season with a knee injury.
Premier League Stars Make Argentina Squad
Several British-based players have been included in Argentina’s World Cup squad.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez are both part of Scaloni’s midfield options.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero complete the list of British-based players selected for the tournament.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez are also included as Argentina prepare to defend their crown.
Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Group Fixtures
Argentina have been drawn in Group J for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They will begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday, June 17.
Scaloni’s side will then face Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22, before playing Jordan, also in Dallas, on Sunday, June 28.
The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Big Names Miss Out
While Messi headlines the squad, several notable players have missed out.
Aston Villa attacker Emi Buendia, who scored a stunning goal in the Europa League final, was not selected.
Roma forward Paulo Dybala also misses out after an injury-disrupted season.
Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono, 18, was also left out of the final squad.
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who has one cap for Argentina, was not selected either. FIFA had earlier said he would miss the first two games of the tournament after abusing Vinicius Jr.
Argentina World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez.
Defenders:
Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina.
Midfielders:
Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez.
Forwards:
Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.
Why Messi’s Inclusion Matters
Messi’s selection gives Argentina a familiar leader as they begin another World Cup campaign under huge global attention.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star remains the emotional and creative centre of the Argentina team, even as Scaloni continues to build around a younger generation of players.
His presence also adds another historic layer to the 2026 tournament, with Messi and Ronaldo both set to reach a milestone no male player had previously achieved.
For Argentina, the mission is clear: defend the World Cup title and give Messi one more chance to add to his already legendary international career.
FAQ
Is Lionel Messi in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad?
Yes. Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Will Messi play in his sixth World Cup?
Yes. If he appears at the 2026 tournament, Messi will play in his sixth FIFA World Cup.
How many goals has Messi scored for Argentina?
Messi has scored 116 goals in 198 appearances for Argentina.
Who is Argentina’s coach for the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina are coached by Lionel Scaloni.
Which group are Argentina in at the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina are in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Who are the major absentees from Argentina’s World Cup squad?
Notable absentees include Emi Buendia, Paulo Dybala, Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni.
