BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Defending champions Argentina have announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with superstar Lionel Messi set to lead the team in what will be his sixth appearance at the tournament.
The 39-year-old forward will captain Argentina as they attempt to defend the title they won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after defeating France in a dramatic final to secure the country’s third world championship.
Messi is now set to join Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo among the few players to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni selected a balanced squad combining experienced stars and emerging young talent for the tournament.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defenders Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, along with midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, were also included in the squad.
Messi has made 198 appearances for Argentina and could reach the milestone of 200 international matches if he features in upcoming friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before the World Cup.
Argentina have been placed in Group J and will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria. They will also face Austria and Jordan in the group stage.
More read, Will Ronaldo feature in his sixth World Cup? squad revealed
Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history by appearing in a record sixth FIFA World Cup after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 tournament.
The 41-year-old forward, who captains Portugal national football team, will become the first player to feature in six World Cups if he takes the field in the tournament, which begins June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, reports suggest.
Ronaldo holds the world records for the most international appearances with 226 and the most international goals with 143.
