Lionel Messi set for sixth FIFA World Cup as Argentina confirm 2026 squad

Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey is not over yet. Argentina have officially confirmed their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the legendary forward set to captain the reigning world champions in what will become his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

The Inter Miami superstar, who turns 39 during the competition, continues to rewrite football history after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago.

Messi set to equal historic World Cup record

By featuring in the 2026 tournament, Messi will become only the second male footballer ever to appear in six FIFA World Cups.

Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo is also expected to feature at the tournament, meaning the two modern greats will continue their historic rivalry on football’s grandest stage.

Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player with 26 matches played across five tournaments:

• Germany 2006
• South Africa 2010
• Brazil 2014
• Russia 2018
• Qatar 2022

Now, the Argentina captain has another opportunity to extend that record even further.

Argentina keeping core of World Cup-winning team

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has largely maintained faith in the group that delivered Argentina’s unforgettable triumph in Qatar. Seventeen members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad return for the title defence, including:

• Emiliano Martinez
• Cristian Romero
• Alexis Mac Allister
• Enzo Fernandez
• Julian Alvarez
• Lautaro Martinez
• Rodrigo De Paul

The continuity reflects Scaloni’s belief in the chemistry and mentality that helped Argentina become world champions.

Premier League stars included

Several Premier League-based players were included in the final squad. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez remains Argentina’s undisputed No. 1 after his heroic performances in Qatar, while Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez returns despite injury concerns earlier in the season.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero also made the squad after recovering from a knee problem that disrupted the end of his campaign. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez are expected to remain central figures in Argentina’s midfield structure throughout the tournament.

Messi fitness concerns eased

There had been brief concern after Messi was substituted during Inter Miami’s recent MLS fixture. However, the club later clarified that the Argentine was only dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring rather than a serious injury.

The forward is still expected to feature in Argentina’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before the tournament begins. Messi currently sits on 198 international appearances and could surpass the 200-cap milestone before Argentina even kick off their World Cup campaign.

Argentina’s Group Stage Fixtures

Argentina have been drawn into Group J for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will begin their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City.

Their group-stage schedule:

• vs Algeria — June 17
• vs Austria — June 22
• vs Jordan — June 28

The matches against Austria and Jordan will both take place in Dallas.

Notable absentees raise debate

While the squad contains most of Argentina’s established stars, several high-profile names were omitted. Roma forward Paulo Dybala misses out after another injury-disrupted campaign, while Aston Villa attacker Emi Buendia was also excluded despite strong recent form.

Teenage Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono was another surprise omission as Scaloni opted for more experienced attacking options. Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni also failed to make the squad after disciplinary concerns earlier this year.

Can Argentina defend the World Cup?

Only two nations in modern football history, Italy and Brazil, have successfully defended a FIFA World Cup title. Argentina now attempt to join that elite group.

With Messi still leading the team, a settled core of experienced internationals, and one of the strongest squads in international football, Argentina once again enter the tournament among the favourites to lift the trophy.

And if Messi can guide Argentina to another title, his World Cup legacy may become untouchable forever.

SportsLigue