Messi to Play Sixth World Cup as Argentina Announces Final Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Defending champions Argentina have announced their final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, led by Lionel Messi. At 38 years old, Messi will be making his sixth World Cup appearance, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the rare feat of playing in six World Cups.

Argentina is placed in Group J and will kick off their campaign against Algeria on June 17. They will then face Austria and Jordan. The squad includes notable players such as Emiliano Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez.

Argentina’s goalkeepers are Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez. Defenders include Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, and Nahuel Molina. Midfielders named are Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández. Forwards include Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolás González, Thiago Almada, Julián Simón, Nico Paz, José Manuel López, and Lautaro Martínez.