Lionel Messi has been confirmed to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was named in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad on Thursday, May 28, 2026. This will be the 39-year-old’s sixth appearance at the global tournament, and he will captain the defending champions once again at the 2026 tournament.
Additionally, if Argentina takes home the 2026 World Cup, it would mark Messi’s second FIFA World Cup title. Messi won his first World Cup in 2022 after leading Argentina to victory in Qatar with a dramatic penalty shootout win over France in the final. The 2022 triumph was Argentina’s third FIFA World Cup title, following earlier victories in 1978 and 1986.
With 26 World Cup match appearances, he currently holds the record for the most World Cup matches played by any footballer. Additionally, Messi is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male players to feature in six editions of the FIFA World Cup.
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The Argentina World Cup squad 2026
Other big names returning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup include Emiliano Martínez, the 2022 Goalkeeper of the Tournament and current Aston Villa F.C. star. Lisandro Martínez of Manchester United F.C. and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur F.C. are also set to feature alongside captain Lionel Messi.
On the other hand, some players are conspicuously missing from the Argentine lineup. These include in-form Emiliano Buendía, the Aston Villa F.C. attacker who recently impressed fans with his performances, including a memorable goal during the Europa League campaign.
Others absent from the squad include forward Paulo Dybala and Franco Mastantuono, the talented Real Madrid CF winger. Check out the Argentina World Cup squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goalkeepers
- Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid)
- Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa).
Defenders
- Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille)
- Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
- Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate)
- Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
- Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
- Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
- Facundo Medina (Marseille)
- Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)
Midfielders
- Leandro Paredes (River Plate)
- Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami)
- Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
- Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
- Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
- Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
Forwards
- Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid)
- Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid)
- Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
- Nico Paz (Como)
- José Manuel López (Palmeiras)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.