Messi sets record: To play in his sixth World Cup for Argentina

Lionel Messi is poised to make history by participating in his sixth World Cup after being named captain of Argentina's 26-man squad. The announcement by national team coach Lionel Scaloni confirms Messi's record-breaking seventh appearance in the prestigious tournament, surpassing the five-time participations of legends like Mexico's Antonio Carbajal, Germany's Lothar Matthäus, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite a recent injury scare during an Inter Miami match where he left the field with a suspected thigh strain, Messi's inclusion signals confidence from the coaching staff. Club statements indicated a muscle overload related to fatigue, but Scaloni has publicly minimized concerns about the severity of the injury, suggesting it will not prevent his participation.

The squad selection also highlighted the notable omission of 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, considered one of Argentina's brightest young talents from Real Madrid. Argentina, the defending champions, are grouped in Group J and will commence their campaign against Algeria on June 17.

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After further medical examinations on Monday, the preliminary diagnosis is an overload associated with muscle fatigue in the left hamstring, according to a club statement.