Argentina Eye Historic World Cup Defence as Messi Nears Farewell
Argentina are preparing to defend their FIFA World Cup crown at the 2026 tournament, with Lionel Messi expected to make his sixth and final World Cup appearance at age 39. The 2022 champions aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the title.
Despite several injury concerns within the squad, coach Lionel Scaloni has retained 17 players from the World Cup winning team.
For the defending champions Argentina, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark the final chapter of Lionel Messi's remarkable international career. The 39 year old captain is expected to retire after the tournament and is aiming to help Argentina become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back to back World Cup titles. Argentina enter the competition with confidence after winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, while also finishing top of the South American qualifiers. However, the squad faces several fitness concerns.
Messi is recovering from a hamstring issue, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has a fractured finger, and defenders Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are managing injuries. Coach Lionel Scaloni has retained faith in the core of his successful squad, selecting 17 players from the 2022 World Cup winning team among his 26 man group. Argentina will begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Messi already holds the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches and is only 4 goals away from surpassing Miroslav Klose's all time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. While Argentina remain among the favourites, Scaloni and Messi have both urged caution as they chase another historic triumph.