Messi Confirmed for a Record Sixth World Cup — But Argentina Is Holding Its Breath
"Messi is in — but Argentina is watching his hamstring. At 38, with a record sixth World Cup on the line, here's what his selection means and who missed the cut."
By World Soccer Wire Editorial
He's in. At 38 years old, with a hamstring scare hanging over him and history on the line, Lionel Messi has been officially named to Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Coach Lionel Scaloni announced the selection Thursday, confirming what the soccer world had hoped — the greatest player of his generation will get one final shot at defending his world title on North American soil.
It will be Messi's sixth appearance at the tournament, joining Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players in history to appear in six men's World Cup tournaments. The record alone would be remarkable. But Messi isn't here for records — he's here to win.
The injury cloud
His participation was put in jeopardy last week after he exited the field during Inter Miami's MLS game against the Philadelphia Union with an injury. Inter Miami later confirmed that Messi suffered from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, with his return timeline depending on day-to-day progress.
Argentina opens Group J play on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. That gives Messi roughly 18 days to get right. Every update between now and then will be front page news.
The squad Scaloni built
Scaloni has largely stayed loyal to the core group that lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022 — 17 members of that winning squad return, including Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez.
Among the notable inclusions is Como standout Nico Paz, who thrived in Serie A and helped lead Cesc Fabregas's side to Champions League qualification for the first time. Sports Illustrated
The big omission
The most high-profile exclusion is Franco Mastantuono, the teenage Real Madrid midfielder who has generated enormous excitement as one of the most sought-after young players in world football. Despite being considered by many as a future Argentine great, Scaloni opted for experience and cohesion over potential. For a squad defending a title, that's a defensible call — but it won't stop the debate.
What's at stake
Only Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Italy in 1934 and 1938, have ever repeated as World Cup champions. Argentina has a chance to do something that hasn't happened in over 60 years — and they're doing it on North American soil with the greatest player who ever lived leading the charge, fitness permitting. FOX Sports
The 2026 World Cup just got even bigger.