Lionel Messi makes World Cup history after making Argentina roster

Lionel Messi has been proudly representing the Argentina national team, first stepping onto the FIFA World Cup stage in 2006. Fast forward to now, and the soccer legend has made history following the team’s latest selection.

Messi brought Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, beating France in an all-time classic in Qatar. This marked his first World Cup trophy, cementing himself alongside the greats to reach the mountaintop of the global tournament.

Messi’s availability for the 2026 edition has been up in the air, which he stated would depend on his overall health and form going into the tournament. It appears that despite picking up a minor injury during a match with Inter Miami, Argentina is positive towards his recovery as head coach Lionel Scaloni selected him among the 26 players going into the tournament, via ESPN. This is the sixth World Cup selection of Messi’s career, a historic record.

Messi is one of 17 players from the last World Cup who Scaloni named for the tournament in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, when Argentina will attempt to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962. Among those returning is Messi’s Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez.

What lies ahead for Lionel Messi, Argentina ahead of World Cup

Lionel Messi continues to shine as one of the best players in the world, even if he is longer at the top of his game.

Messi remains a key difference maker for Argentina, standing out for his elite playmaking abilities while keeping track of his stamina on the pitch. The national team will make sure he manages his health effectively, while anticipating him to score goals and create assists for his teammates.

Going into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina seeks its fourth World Cup title and a title repeat. They begin their journey in the United State, having friendly matches against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.

Their time in the global tournament takes place on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri. After that, they face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas.

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