World Cup News | Lionel Messi named in Argentina squad

Lionel Messi will appear at a sixth World Cup after being named in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 tournament

The holders will be wanting o defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

Author | Jack L

The forward, who turns 39 during the competition, captains Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad after inspiring Argentina to a third world title with their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in 2022.

Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player with 26 matches, and will join Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, as the only men to feature in six editions of the tournament.

A closer look at Argentina’s squad

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who won the Golden Glove in Qatar, has also been selected, alongside Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, despite the latter missing the closing stages of the Premier League campaign through a knee injury.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández are among the British-based contingent included in the squad for the finals, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and Inter forward Lautaro Martínez are among the 17 players from the victorious 2022 squad returning in pursuit of back-to-back World Cup triumphs.

Argentina have been drawn in Group J and open their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday 17 June at 02:00 BST. They then face Austria in Dallas on Monday 22 June at 18:00 BST before concluding the group stage against Jordan on Sunday 28 June at 02:00 BST.

Messi had been substituted during Inter Miami’s most recent Major League Soccer fixture on Monday, though the club later confirmed he had not suffered an injury and was instead dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has made 198 appearances for Argentina and could reach the 200-cap milestone during next month’s friendlies against Honduras in Texas on Sunday 7 June and Iceland in Alabama on Tuesday 9 June.