Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina’s title defence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being named in Lionel Scaloni’s final 26-man squad for the tournament.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward will make his sixth World Cup appearance, extending his national record and equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s mark for the most World Cup participations by any player.
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Messi’s inclusion ends speculation surrounding his fitness after he was forced off during Inter Miami’s recent Major League Soccer match. The club later confirmed the issue was only muscle fatigue in his left hamstring and not a serious injury.
The Argentine captain already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player, having featured in 26 matches across previous tournaments.
