Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has eased concerns surrounding several injured members of his squad by confirming that captain Lionel Messi will be part of the group heading to the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine Football Association revealed the final 26-man roster on Thursday, with Messi leading the reigning champions as they attempt to defend the title they won four years ago against France in Qatar.
Seventeen footballers from that victorious squad have been selected again, despite doubts surrounding the fitness of several players ahead of FIFA’s 1 June deadline for official submissions. Scaloni chose to maintain faith in many experienced names as Argentina prepares for another tournament in North America.
Messi, who will celebrate his 39th birthday soon, is preparing for a sixth World Cup appearance. His previous participations came in Germany in 2006, South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2015, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.
Injury issues do not prevent major inclusions
Questions had surrounded Messi after he was unable to complete Inter Miami’s match last Sunday because of muscle fatigue and discomfort in his left hamstring. The MLS club later explained that his recovery would depend on his medical progress and physical response over the coming days.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was also named in the squad despite fracturing the ring finger on his right hand during Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory against Freiburg last week. The goalkeeper remains part of Scaloni’s plans as Argentina approaches the tournament.
Defender Cristian Romero has likewise retained his place while recovering from a knee ligament injury suffered in April during Tottenham duty. Full-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel were also selected despite ongoing muscle problems.
The experienced core remains intact for title defense
Argentina’s squad announcement highlighted the continuity within the national team setup, with much of the group from the successful Qatar campaign staying together for another World Cup challenge.
Montiel, remembered for converting the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over France in the previous final, returns alongside many familiar figures from that triumph. Scaloni’s selections suggest confidence in the established core despite concerns over fitness and preparation.
With the squad now confirmed, Argentina will continue monitoring the condition of several players as they prepare to defend their world title at the 2026 tournament.