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FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is poised to make history in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The Argentine legend will step onto the World Cup stage for the sixth time in his illustrious career. Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has officially announced the 26-man final squad for the global tournament.

This time, the responsibility of leading the team has once again been entrusted to the 39-year-old veteran captain, Lionel Messi. While unveiling the squad, the Argentine Football Association expressed strong faith that the team will once again deliver an outstanding performance and aim to retain the world champion title for a second consecutive time.

Confidence reposed in 17 World Cup-winning players from Qatar

The most striking feature of this 26-member Argentine squad is that coach Lionel Scaloni has chosen to retain the core of the team. Seventeen players who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s dramatic victory over France in the World Cup final held in Qatar four years ago have been included once again.

This blend of seasoned players is expected to provide the team with mental strength and stability as they embark on their title defense journey. Looking at Lionel Messi’s remarkable international career, he has represented Argentina in five previous World Cups — Germany in 2006, South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.

Injured players also find a place in the squad

Player fitness was a major consideration in Argentina’s selection process this time. Despite these challenges, team management decided to include several key players in the final lineup, viewing them as vital to the team’s success even though some are recovering from injuries.

Captain Lionel Messi himself is currently in recovery from a left hamstring injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is also recuperating from a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand suffered last week. Defender Cristian Romero continues to recover from a right knee injury sustained in April, while full-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel have both returned after overcoming hamstring issues.

Argentina’s full squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Jeronimo Rulli, and Juan Musso.
• Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Facundo Medina.
• Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Valentin Barco.
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Juliano Simeone, Lautaro Martínez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, and Nico Paz.