Lionel Messi will make history this summer after being named in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming one of only two male players ever to feature in six World Cup tournaments.
The Argentine captain, who led his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, remains a key figure for the reigning champions as they prepare to defend their title in North America.
Messi continues to rewrite football history
At 38 years old, Messi shows no signs of stepping away from the international stage. His inclusion in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad means he will equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of six World Cup appearances.
The Inter Miami star already holds the record for the most World Cup matches played by any footballer, with 26 appearances across five tournaments. A sixth World Cup could see him extend that mark even further.
Argentina eye back-to-back World Cup titles
Argentina head into the tournament as defending champions after their memorable triumph in Qatar. Scaloni has retained the core of the squad that lifted the trophy, combining experienced leaders with emerging talent.
Messi is expected to play a central role once again as Argentina attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup crown.
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Can Messi win another World Cup?
Winning the World Cup in 2022 completed football’s greatest individual résumé, but Messi now has the opportunity to achieve something even more remarkable.
A second consecutive World Cup title would further strengthen his claim as the greatest player in football history and cement Argentina’s place among the sport’s elite international teams.
While questions remain about managing the veteran’s workload during a demanding tournament schedule, his influence on and off the pitch remains invaluable for Scaloni’s side.
Who is in Argentina’s group and what are their fixtures?
Argentina are in Group J at this summer’s tournament, which will see them face off against Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the United States.
Messi and Argentina will begin the defence of their crown against Algeria in Kansas City before travelling to Dallas for their remaining two group games, with a clash against Austria up first before finishing off against Jordan.
What is Argentina’s full 2026 World Cup squad?
Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (River Plate), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan).
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