Messi named to Argentina’s World Cup squad at age 38

Lionel Messi will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named the 38-year-old captain to Argentina's 26-man squad on Thursday, setting the stage for an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance.dknetwork.draftkings+2

A Record Shared With Ronaldo

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are poised to become the first players ever to feature in six men's World Cup tournaments, a milestone that underscores the longevity of their decades-long rivalry. The Inter Miami forward, who made his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old in Germany in 2006, has appeared at every edition since — South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022, where he lifted the trophy.bolavip+1

Scaloni's selection comes despite a hamstring issue Messi picked up in a recent MLS match. "We all wished Messi could have joined the squad fully fit, but that isn't the reality," Scaloni told DSports earlier this week. "Our main priority now is their rehabilitation to ensure they reach the World Cup in peak condition."goal

Defending Champions Eye History

Argentina enter the tournament as defending champions chasing something no team has achieved since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 — consecutive World Cup titles. The squad features 17 players who were part of the 2022 triumph in Qatar, including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.beinsports+2

Notable omissions from the final 26 include Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono and Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom were on the preliminary 55-man list submitted to FIFA on May 11.dknetwork.draftkings+1

Group J and the Road Ahead

The defending champions open Group J play against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, with the tournament running across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 through July 19. Scaloni acknowledged that several players beyond Messi are still recovering from knocks but expressed confidence the squad would be ready for the opener.aljazeera+1

"The initial updates aren't entirely bad," Scaloni said of Messi's fitness. "Now, we must wait to see how he evolves."goal