BUENOS AIRES: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will captain the national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup after naming the country’s 26-man squad for the tournament.
The selection confirms Messi’s participation in what will be a record sixth World Cup appearance for the 38-year-old forward, who led Argentina to the title in Qatar four years ago. The announcement is significant as Messi had not publicly confirmed his availability for the tournament, despite widespread expectations that he would return to defend the championship.
Scaloni’s squad announcement also featured several notable selections and omissions. Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono, regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest young talents, was left out of the final squad despite strong expectations of inclusion.
Injury concerns eased
Messi’s inclusion comes after concerns over his fitness following an injury scare with his club side, Inter Miami. The Major League Soccer club recently reported that medical examinations revealed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after he was substituted during a match against Philadelphia.
However, Scaloni had previously downplayed concerns about the severity of the issue, and Messi’s selection indicates he is expected to be available for the tournament.
Defender Cristian Romero was also included despite recently suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the Premier League season with Tottenham Hotspur.
Argentina retain core of World Cup-winning squad
Argentina’s squad includes 17 players from the team that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, providing continuity as the South American champions prepare to defend their title.
Among the younger players selected are Nicolas Paz and Valentin Barco, both 21, while Palmeiras forward Jose Manuel Lopez retained his place after making his international debut last year.
Notable absentees include Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia and Roma forward Paulo Dybala.
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11. Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nicolas Tagliafico.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentin Barco.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez.
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