Argentina’s World Cup Squad Finalized with Messi Set for Final Chapter
Argentina has officially announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi confirmed as a key member of the team. Despite recent injury concerns, the legendary captain is expected to be fit for the tournament, which could mark the final chapter of his storied international career.
The squad was revealed on Thursday, just over two weeks before Argentina’s first group stage match against Algeria in Kansas City. The reigning world champions are looking to defend their title, and Messi remains at the heart of the team. His inclusion came after a concerning moment during his final game for Inter Miami before the World Cup break, where he limped off in the 73rd minute of a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Messi had an impactful performance, providing two assists as German Berterame scored twice in a record-breaking first half for the David Beckham-owned team. However, he left the field in the 71st minute after reaching toward his left hamstring. He did not go to the bench but instead headed directly to the locker room, raising questions about his fitness.
Despite these concerns, head coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed confidence that Messi will be ready for the opening match against Algeria. The game is scheduled for June 16 at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. Scaloni has made some controversial selections for the final squad, including the exclusion of Premier League players Emiliano Buendia and Marcos Senesi, who had strong seasons with Aston Villa and Bournemouth respectively.
Other notable exclusions include Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono and Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Scaloni’s first-choice keeper, is included alongside backup goalkeepers Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli.
In defense, key players such as Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Otamendi have been selected. The midfield includes Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo de Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister, among seven other players. Alongside Messi, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are among the seven forwards named in the squad.
Messi has previously stated that this summer’s World Cup will likely be his last if he remains healthy. He has already participated in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player twice—first in 2014 and again in 2022 when he led Argentina to the title. This award has only been given out since 1982, making Messi the only player to win it twice.
Argentina is placed in Group J for the World Cup. Their group stage matches will be: Algeria in Kansas City on June 16; Austria in Arlington, Texas, on June 22; and Jordan in Arlington on June 27. If Argentina wins the group, which they are heavily favored to do, Messi will play in the Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens on July 3.
The only other scenario in which Messi would play in South Florida during the tournament is if Argentina qualifies for the third-place match on July 18.
