Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will be part of the 26-man squad seeking a second consecutive World Cup title in 2026, dispelling concerns amid a wave of injuries affecting key players.
Messi, about to turn 39, headlines the roster announced by the Argentine Football Association on Thursday. Of the selected players, 17 were part of the team that defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final.
Messi's Injury Update
Messi is currently dealing with muscle fatigue and strain in his left hamstring, which prevented him from finishing Inter Miami's match last Sunday. The club has stated that his recovery timeline will depend on his clinical and functional progress.
This will be Messi's sixth World Cup appearance, having previously participated in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022.
Other Injury Concerns
Several other key players were managing injuries ahead of FIFA's June 1 deadline:
- Emiliano Martínez — Goalkeeper who fractured the ring finger on his right hand during the Europa League final
- Cristian Romero — Defender recovering from a sprained collateral ligament in his right knee sustained in mid-April
- Gonzalo Montiel — Fullback recovering from a muscle injury
- Nahuel Molina — Fullback recovering from a muscle injury
Tournament Schedule
Argentina, world champions also in 1978 and 1986, will begin their 2026 campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan.
The squad will travel to their World Cup base in Kansas City on Saturday and will play friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before the tournament begins.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique de Lyon), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Nico Paz (Como).