Messi To Play Sixth World Cup As Argentina Names 2026 Squad

Lionel Messi will again lead Argentina at the World Cup, confirming a sixth appearance at the tournament. The 38-year-old captain is included in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-player Argentina squad. Argentina arrive as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2022. In the group stage, Argentina face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J.

Messi moves closer to several World Cup records at this edition. The forward has 13 World Cup goals, three behind Miroslav Klose’s record of 16. Messi already holds the record for most World Cup matches with 26. Messi will also join Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male players to feature in six tournaments.

Scaloni’s attacking options around Messi include Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. Alvarez has been linked with a big transfer to Barcelona. Another forward option, Nicolas Gonzalez, is also selected. Messi’s Inter Miami team-mate Rodrigo de Paul strengthens midfield. Alexis Mac Allister, Ezequiel Palacios and Giovani lo Celso provide further experience in that area.

Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa remains first-choice goalkeeper for the Argentina squad after winning the Europa League. Behind Martinez, Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli are the other goalkeepers. In defence, Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero is included despite missing the end of Tottenham’s season with a knee injury. Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez and Nahuel Molina are also selected.

The remaining defenders in the Argentina squad are Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel and Facundo Medina. Midfield options also include Leandro Paredes, Valentin Barco and Enzo Fernandez. Enzo Fernandez, from Chelsea, was named Young Player of the Tournament at the last World Cup. Nico Paz earns a place after an impressive season with Como.

There are some notable absentees from the Argentina squad for this World Cup. Paulo Dybala is the most significant omission, having missed out on selection. Emiliano Buendia is also left out. In attack, the final places go to Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz again in advanced roles, Jose Manuel Lopez and Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup include two warm-up fixtures. Scaloni’s team meet Honduras first, then face Iceland before the tournament begins. These friendlies offer a chance to refine combinations around Messi, Martinez and Alvarez. They also allow assessment of fitness for players such as Cristian Romero.

Argentinasquad in full:

Scaloni’s selection gives Argentina a familiar core around Messi, supported by experienced players and emerging names. The mix includes World Cup winners, European trophy holders and rising talents like Nico Paz. With warm-up games against Honduras and Iceland, Argentina enter Group J aiming to retain the 2022 world title.