Key Points
- Lionel Messi will appear at the FIFA World Cup for a record sixth time at age 39
- Argentina’s 26-man squad retains 17 players from the Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning side
- Messi is currently recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami
- Four other key players, including goalkeeper Martínez and defender Cristian Romero, are also returning from injury
- Coach Scaloni has made no major changes, prioritizing experience and squad cohesion
- Argentina’s previous World Cup appearances under Messi were in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022
Lionel Messi is set to write another extraordinary chapter in football history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking the field for an unprecedented sixth time at a World Cup tournament. Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni officially unveiled his final 26-man squad for the tournament, confirming the 39-year-old captain’s inclusion as Argentina prepare to defend their world title.
The Argentine Football Association expressed full confidence alongside the squad announcement, stating its belief that the team is capable of retaining the World Cup for a second consecutive time.
Messi’s previous World Cup appearances have spanned two decades, covering the tournaments in Germany (2006), South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), and Qatar (2022), where he finally lifted the trophy after a stunning final victory over France.
Scaloni Backs Experience Over Change
The defining characteristic of Scaloni’s squad selection is continuity. Of the 26 players named, 17 were part of the squad that triumphed in Qatar four years ago, providing a core of battle-hardened, title-winning experience that few international squads can match.
The coach has made no significant structural changes, placing his trust in a group that already knows what it takes to win the biggest prize in football. That shared experience and tactical familiarity is expected to be a key psychological advantage as Argentina begin their title defense.
Injury Concerns Cloud Selection
Fitness has been one of the most pressing concerns surrounding Argentina’s preparations. Several key players arrive at the tournament in varying stages of recovery from injury, yet the coaching staff has chosen to back them regardless, viewing them as indispensable to the squad’s quality and balance.
Captain Messi is recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained during his club duties with Inter Miami. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez suffered a fracture to the ring finger of his right hand just last week. Defender Cristian Romero is working back from a right knee injury picked up in April, while fullbacks Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are also returning from muscle injuries. The fitness of this group will be closely monitored in the lead-up to Argentina’s opening fixtures.
Argentina’s Full 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Tagliafico, Facundo Medina
Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentín Barco
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolás González, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz
