Lionel Messi to Captain Argentina at 2026 World Cup as Scaloni Names Squad

Posted : 29 May 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will captain the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after unveiling his 26-man squad on Thursday. The 38-year-old forward is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup as Argentina prepare to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Notably absent from the squad is Franco Mastantuono.

Messi, who will celebrate his 39th birthday during the tournament, had appeared likely to retire from international football after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago. Instead, the former FC Barcelona star has continued his international career and remains the centerpiece of Argentina’s ambitions in North America.

At the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Messi delivered one of the finest performances of his career. He scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven matches, including two goals in the dramatic final against France. He also converted his penalty during the shootout victory that secured Argentina’s third World Cup crown.

Following that triumph, Messi admitted he had achieved everything he dreamed of in football but also revealed a desire to continue playing as a reigning world champion. His decision to remain with the national team has been welcomed by Scaloni, who previously stated there could never truly be a successor to the legendary forward.

Although Messi is no longer competing in European football after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, he has continued to impress with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. The Argentine star has scored 13 goals in 16 appearances in 2026 after helping the club win the MLS Cup last season.

Messi is currently recovering from a minor hamstring issue sustained against the Philadelphia Union, but he is expected to lead Argentina into their opening World Cup match against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.

Since lifting the World Cup, Messi has continued adding to his international achievements. He captained Argentina to victory at the 2024 Copa America in the United States and finished as the top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying. The forward has repeatedly insisted that his passion for football remains strong and says he intends to continue playing for as long as possible.

Messi first appeared at a World Cup in 2006 as a teenager and later guided Argentina to the 2014 final in Brazil, where they lost to Germany after extra time. He is already Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, sitting just two appearances short of the 200-game milestone.

Before the World Cup begins, Argentina will play friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland. During the tournament, the Albiceleste will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.

Teammate Julian Alvarez acknowledged that this tournament could potentially be Messi’s final World Cup because of his age, adding that the forward’s global influence makes the competition even more special for football fans worldwide.

Argentina, however, also possess a strong supporting cast beyond their captain. Alvarez is joined by top talents including Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina underlined their strength during qualifying with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Brazil, achieved without Messi in the lineup. The squad now heads into the tournament confident they can once again compete for football’s biggest prize.

Lionel Messi to Captain Argentina at 2026 World Cup as Scaloni Names Squad

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