Messi’s Historic Sixth World Cup
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Lionel Messi is set to make history by participating in his sixth tournament, leading the Argentine team which is the reigning champion. At 38 years of age, Messi’s inclusion in the squad was officially announced on Thursday by head coach Lionel Scaloni, making him one of the few athletes to ever reach such a milestone alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Injury Concerns and Team Health
Despite facing injury concerns recently—having left an MLS match against the Philadelphia Union due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring—Messi has been confirmed in the final roster. Inter Miami clarified that his condition resulted from overexertion, but initial assessments suggest his situation isn’t alarming.
“Now, we must wait to see how he evolves, pending the results of further tests to see if they confirm the initial medical reports,”
Scaloni remarked, expressing optimism yet acknowledging the need for caution in Messi’s recovery process.
Scaloni also pointed out that Messi’s health isn’t the sole issue, as multiple players are currently recuperating from various injuries. The team’s focus will now shift to rehabilitation, ensuring all players return to optimal health ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Argentina’s Group Stage Matches
Argentina’s group stage matches will see them up against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, with their first game kicking off on June 16 in Kansas City. Additionally, the squad is scheduled for friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland prior to the tournament, aimed at fine-tuning their performance.
Squad Continuity and Notable Omissions
From the previous World Cup, Argentina retains 17 players, including key figures like Rodrigo De Paul (Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami), Enzo Fernández from Chelsea, and Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, hinting at a strong continuity within the squad. Notably, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has also been selected, despite a recent finger injury sustained in the Europa League final.
Among those returning from injury are Cristian Romero, who recently suffered a knee sprain during club play, and fullbacks Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina, who are both recovering from muscle issues. However, not all expected names made the list, with Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía being notable omissions.
Argentina’s Official Roster
Argentina’s official roster for the World Cup includes:
- Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid).
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Facundo Medina (Marseille).
- Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Valentín Barco (Strasbourg).
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Nico Paz (Como).
As the tournament nears, Messi and his teammates look to defend their title in a quest to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
