World Cup 2026: Messi Leads Argentina Without Mastantuono; Albiceleste to Defend Title in North America

Lionel Messi is set to captain Argentina in the 2026 World Cup in North America, leading a 26-player squad announced by coach Lionel Scaloni. The selection notably omits Franco Mastantuono, an 18-year-old player from Real Madrid considered a significant talent in Argentine football.

Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, has the opportunity to become the player with the most World Cup appearances, potentially reaching six tournaments. This record could also be matched by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, recently caused concern after sustaining a muscle injury in his left leg during Inter Miami's last MLS match. However, Scaloni downplayed the severity of the injury in a recent interview, suggesting his captain's condition was not as dire as initially feared.

Scaloni's decision to leave out Mastantuono surprised many, given the young player's potential. Argentina, the reigning champions from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, will commence their title defense on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. They are placed in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan.

The full squad list includes goalkeepers Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, and Juan Musso. Defenders are Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, and Nicolás Tagliafico. Midfielders named are Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, and Valentín Barco. The forwards selected are Lionel Messi, Nicolás Paz, Thiago Almada, Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martínez, and José Manuel López.