Lionel Messi will lead defending champion Argentina at a record sixth World Cup this summer in North America.
The 38-year-old superstar headlines Argentina’s 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champions eye a repeat title.
By stepping on the pitch, Messi will become the first men’s player to appear in six different World Cups, joining Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male players to reach that milestone.
The only other players to appear in at least six World Cups are Brazil’s Formiga, who played in seven, and Marta, who played in six.
During Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Messi finished as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals while featuring in 12 of their 18 qualifying matches.
Messi suffered left hamstring fatigue during an Inter Miami MLS clash, though Argentina remain hopeful their captain will recover in time for the tournament opener.
Coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the situation, noting that while many had hoped Messi could join the squad fully fit, the priority remains ensuring players reach the World Cup in peak condition.
Argentina enters the tournament with a historic opportunity only Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Italy in 1934 and 1938, have ever repeated as World Cup champions.
Argentina is set to face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage, with their debut scheduled for June 16 in Kansas City. The team will also play warm-up friendlies against Honduras and Iceland in preparation.
For Messi, the tournament represents one final shot at immortality cementing not just a legacy, but a dynasty.
Argentina 2026 World Cup squad:
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).