Lionel Messi is set to make history once again. The 38-year-old forward has been officially named in Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming his participation in a record-tying sixth tournament. As captain of the defending champions, Messi will lead his country in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aiming to add another chapter to his unparalleled legacy.
Messi's selection puts him alongside Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male players to appear in six World Cups. Having already played a record 26 matches on football's biggest stage, the Inter Miami star will have the chance to extend that number further when Argentina kick off their campaign. His leadership and experience will be vital for a squad blending seasoned winners with emerging talents.
Manager Lionel Scaloni has assembled a formidable group, anchored by World Cup heroes and fresh faces. Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, the Golden Glove winner four years ago, remains the first-choice goalkeeper, while defensive stalwarts Cristian Romero (Tottenham) and Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) provide steel at the back. Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) bring Premier League pedigree and creativity.
The attacking unit is stacked with quality, featuring Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, and a host of La Liga-based forwards including Nicolas Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone. Messi's club teammate Rodrigo de Paul also makes the cut, ensuring continuity from their Qatar triumph. The squad reflects Argentina's depth, with five players plying their trade in England's top flight.
Argentina have been drawn in Group J, where they will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The holders open their defense on June 17 in Kansas City against Algeria, before traveling to Dallas for clashes with Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 28. Warm-up friendlies against Honduras and Iceland in early June will provide final preparations.
Messi's fitness remains a talking point after he was substituted during an Inter Miami MLS match with what was described as muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. However, his club clarified no injury occurred, and the 198-cap veteran is expected to be fully fit for the tournament. Reaching 200 international appearances is within sight should he feature in both pre-tournament friendlies.
The selection solidifies Messi's status as the heartbeat of Argentine football. At an age when many greats have stepped aside, he continues to defy expectations. His presence not only boosts Argentina's title credentials but also adds immeasurable star power to a World Cup already brimming with narrative.
With the world watching, Messi's sixth World Cup journey promises to be a spectacle. Whether he can replicate the magic of 2022 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: every match will be a celebration of a living legend. Argentina begin their quest in less than two months, and optimism abounds.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
