Messi to Play Sixth World Cup as Argentina Names 2026 Squad

Argentina's national football team coach Lionel Scaloni has officially revealed the 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The selection largely mirrors the core group that secured Argentina's third World Cup title in Qatar 2022, with the notable inclusion of captain Lionel Messi.

Messi's participation in his sixth World Cup marks a historic achievement, placing him in an elite group alongside Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa. The legendary forward had previously expressed uncertainty about his participation due to physical condition, but his inclusion confirms his intention to compete in the upcoming tournament.

Notable inclusions in the squad are Facundo Medina, José 'Flaco' López, and Valentín Barco. However, the list also features the surprising absence of Marcos Acuña, a key player in the 2022 triumph. Franco Mastantuono had already been ruled out prior to the announcement.

The selected players are scheduled to commence training at the AFA's facility in Ezeiza. They will then depart for Kansas City, USA, on June 1st, which will serve as their base camp. FIFA is expected to release all official squad lists from participating countries on June 2nd. The 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, kicks off on June 11th at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.