Lionel Messi will captain defending champion Argentina at the World Cup in North America, becoming the first man, alongside long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, to appear in six editions of the tournament. The 38-year-old forward headlines Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad as Argentina chase back-to-back titles and a place in history.

Messi’s inclusion had been in doubt after he limped off during Inter Miami’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union with discomfort in his left hamstring. Inter Miami later described the issue as muscle fatigue, and Argentina’s staff have been monitoring his recovery closely.

Scaloni acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his captain’s fitness but insisted the medical reports were encouraging. He stressed that Messi, like several teammates, will follow a carefully managed program to ensure he reaches the tournament in the best possible condition.

Argentina’s group-stage campaign will see them face Algeria, Austria and Jordan, opening in Kansas City. In the build-up, Scaloni’s side will play friendlies against Honduras and Iceland, fixtures designed to fine-tune a squad that blends world champions with emerging talent.

Seventeen members of the title-winning group return, underlining Scaloni’s faith in the core that delivered glory in Qatar. Alongside Messi are key figures such as midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, playmaker Enzo Fernández and forward Julián Álvarez, all central to Argentina’s high-intensity style.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, a hero of the last World Cup, has also been named despite fracturing the ring finger of his right hand during Aston Villa’s recent European campaign. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is included as he recovers from a knee ligament sprain, while fullbacks Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are working back from muscle problems.

Scaloni’s list also contains notable omissions. Highly rated Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono misses out, as do Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía, decisions that underline the depth of options available to the coach.

Argentina’s squad is built around a familiar spine: Martínez in goal, Romero and Nicolás Otamendi in defense, a dynamic midfield featuring De Paul, Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, and an attack led by Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Álvarez. With experience, continuity and the game’s most decorated star still at its heart, Argentina arrive in North America not just as defending champions, but as clear contenders to make history once again.