Messi is hoping to overcome injury to help Argentina become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since 1962.
Previous World Cup appearances: 18
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
First appearance: 1930 (Uruguay)
Top goal scorer: Lionel Messi (13)
Most appearances: Lionel Messi (26)
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THE CONTENDERS - What are the chances of a World Cup champ repeating?
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Argentina World Cup 2026 team guide
Argentina are not among the top few favourites at the 2026 World Cup, but La Albiceleste still boast world-class talent.
Argentina is looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion in over half a century.
Only two nations have ever successfully defended the World Cup, but Argentina is more than up for the task this summer.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, aims to defend their World Cup title. Algeria makes a return after a decade. Austria seeks to…
Algeria and Austria likely to battle it out for progress
As Argentina begin another World Cup campaign, they will once again look to Messi to provide the inspiration and magic that…
