Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star, has been named in Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, set to become the first male player to feature in six tournaments alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The 38-year-old will lead the defending champions despite a recent injury scare involving muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
Squad Announcement
Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the roster on Thursday, May 28, including Messi as a key figure. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with goalkeepers Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, and Juan Musso; defenders such as Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Lisandro Martínez; midfielders including Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández; and forwards like Julián Álvarez and Nico González.
Injury Concerns
Messi's selection comes after Inter Miami revealed he suffered from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, initially diagnosed as an overload. Scaloni commented, "The initial updates aren't entirely bad. Now, we must wait to see how he evolves, pending the results of further tests to see if they confirm the initial medical reports." He added, "We all wished Messi could have joined the squad fully fit, but that isn't the reality. It's not just him; many players have yet to fully recover from injuries. Our main priority now is their rehabilitation to ensure they reach the World Cup in peak condition."
World Cup Preparation
Argentina will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage, debuting on June 16 in Kansas City. The team will also play friendlies against Honduras and Iceland to prepare. The full squad includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from top clubs worldwide, aiming to defend their title.
