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.
USMNT World Cup Roster Leaked: Diego Luna Out, Gio Reyna In — And Pochettino Has Some Explaining to Do
Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players most fans assumed were locks. Here's what it means.
The 2026 World Cup roster for the US Men's National Team has been obtained by The Guardian ahead of Tuesday's official announcement at Pier 17 in Manhattan, and it's already generating serious debate.
Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players who most fans assumed were locks. Here's what you need to know — and what it tells us about how Pochettino plans to set up on home soil.
The headline omission: Diego Luna
This is the one that will sting the most. Luna, 22, has been one of the USMNT's most consistent contributors over the past year. He returned from a knee injury in April and went straight back to form for Real Salt Lake — four goals and two assists in seven MLS appearances. He's dynamic, he's young, and he's been a fan favorite.
He's not on the plane.
Pochettino may be taking a more long-term approach with the 22-year-old, but that's cold comfort for fans who watched Luna earn his spot. The omission leaves a real question about the attacking depth behind the front three.
Tessmann out too — but this one's easier to understand
Tanner Tessmann sustained a muscle strain at Lyon two weeks ago, and while he was still anticipated to be included, his omission appears to be injury-related. He featured heavily for Lyon this season and was widely expected to slot into the midfield. Whether this is a permanent door closed or an injury call that could change before June 1's official submission deadline remains to be seen.
The curious inclusion: Gio Reyna
Reyna is a talented but polarizing figure who has made only four USMNT appearances since the Copa América in the summer of 2024. His selection over Luna — who was producing at club level right up until selection — is the decision Pochettino will face the most questions about on Tuesday.
Reyna's ceiling is undeniable. But at a World Cup on home soil, with games that matter from day one, the gap between ceiling and consistency is a real risk.
Alejandro Zendejas gets the nod
Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned a spot despite receiving just 139 minutes under Pochettino. That's a significant vote of confidence from a coach who has repeatedly said no one is safe regardless of reputation.
What the roster tells us about Pochettino's plan
This roster reflects exactly what Pochettino set out to build: a squad without entitlement, where competition ran through every position group, and 71 players got a look before 26 were chosen.
The front three of Balogun, Pepi, and Wright is lean — just three pure forwards for six weeks of tournament football. Zendejas offers versatility higher up the pitch, but if Balogun picks up an injury, the depth chart gets thin fast.
What happens next
The official roster announcement is Tuesday, May 26 at Pier 17 on the East River in Manhattan — a live public event with player appearances and entertainment. Official rosters aren't due until June 1, and it's possible these leaks have inaccuracies. With two more friendlies against Senegal and Germany ahead of the Cup, the roster could still shift if FIFA approves injury-related changes.
The World Cup opener is June 11. Pochettino has 18 days to answer every question this roster just raised.