Messi to represent Argentina at sixth World Cup
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's squad for the 2026 World Cup, marking his sixth appearance in the tournament. The 38-year-old forward, who captained Argentina to victory in the previous World Cup, holds the record for the most matches played in World Cup history. Argentina will begin their campaign in Group J against Algeria on June 17, 2026.
- ▪Lionel Messi will captain Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.
- ▪He holds the record for the most World Cup matches played, with 26 appearances.
- ▪Argentina's first match will be against Algeria in Kansas City on June 17, 2026.
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Messi to represent Argentina at sixth World CupImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lionel Messi has scored 116 goals in 198 games for ArgentinaByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished21 minutes agoLionel Messi will play in a sixth World Cup as he captains holders Argentina at the 2026 tournament.The 38-year-old forward, who led his country to a third World Cup triumph in Qatar with a penalty shootout victory over France four years ago, was named in Lionel Scaloni's 26-man squad on Thursday.With 26 appearances, Messi holds the current record for the most World Cup matches by any player - and will join Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, as the only male players to appear in a sixth edition of football's biggest event this summer.Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, who was named…
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