Lionel Messi Set for Historic Sixth World Cup With Argentina

Football legend Lionel Messi is set to make history after being named in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

The 39-year-old forward will captain defending champions Argentina national football team as they seek to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022 after defeating France in the final.

Messi, who currently holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player with 26 matches, is expected to become one of only two male footballers to feature in six World Cups alongside Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Several key members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team have retained their places in the squad, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero, as well as midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández.

Forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are also among the returning stars expected to lead Argentina’s title defence.

Argentina have been drawn in Group J and will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan in Dallas.

Messi recently missed part of an Inter Miami CF match due to muscle fatigue, though the club confirmed he did not suffer any serious injury.

The Argentine captain currently has 198 international appearances and could reach the historic 200-cap milestone during upcoming friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland ahead of the tournament.

Notable omissions from the squad include Paulo Dybala, Emiliano Buendía and teenage winger Franco Mastantuono.