Lionel Messi is widely expected to remain part of Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fresh debate over whether the legendary forward still possesses the magic capable of driving the reigning champions toward another deep tournament run while preventing the team from losing its identity during a period of generational transition.
Argentina’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be announced on May 30, but Messi’s name has already appeared in the country’s provisional 55-man list. The Inter Miami star is included among 16 attacking players competing for places in Lionel Scaloni’s final roster for the tournament in North America.
At 39 years old by the time the tournament begins, Messi is the oldest player on Argentina’s preliminary list. The next closest in age is veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, who will be 38. Several other senior players such as Geronimo Rulli, Marcos Acuna, Emiliano Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico are in their early-to-mid 30s.
Despite concerns surrounding his age and recurring injuries, Messi is still viewed by many within Argentine football as indispensable, particularly because of his leadership role and influence inside the dressing room. Few players in modern football history have maintained such a long-lasting emotional and tactical connection with a national team.
The 2026 tournament could become Messi’s sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, an unprecedented milestone that would further cement his status as one of the greatest players in football history. He has already participated in five World Cups, serving as Argentina captain in the last three editions.
During Messi’s era as captain, Argentina reached two World Cup finals and lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022, ending the country’s 36-year wait for another world title. If selected for the 2026 squad, Messi would equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most World Cup appearances by an outfield player.
Messi could also extend his own all-time record for World Cup matches played. The Argentine currently leads the historical rankings with 26 World Cup appearances, while Ronaldo has played 22 matches for Portugal.
Even if Scaloni chooses to limit Messi’s minutes in 2026, every appearance would further strengthen the forward’s historical records on football’s biggest stage.
Messi’s club form with Inter Miami also remains relatively strong despite his advancing age. The Argentine has missed only one of the club’s 17 matches this season and has largely continued to start games while regularly playing close to the full 90 minutes.
However, physical concerns surrounding Messi have intensified in recent months. Worries resurfaced after he was substituted in the 73rd minute during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union on May 25, when cameras appeared to show him holding his thigh while walking toward the dressing room.
The incident immediately raised concerns because Messi has already suffered three injury setbacks during the current season. Considering the Major League Soccer calendar only began in February 2026, the frequency of his physical problems has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
The question facing Argentina ahead of the World Cup is no longer whether Messi remains talented enough to contribute, but rather how Scaloni should manage his role within an evolving squad filled with younger attacking players.
Argentina is currently developing several promising stars capable of succeeding Messi in the long term. Franco Mastantuono, who recently joined Real Madrid, has emerged as one of the country’s brightest young prospects on the right wing. Giuliano Simeone, now playing for Atletico Madrid, has also impressed with his energy and tactical discipline.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Paz has continued his rise in Europe following a strong season with Como in Italy. The young attacking midfielder is increasingly viewed as a future creative force for Argentina in the number 10 role once permanently occupied by Messi.
On paper, Argentina already possesses the next generation of attacking talent. The challenge for Scaloni is finding the right balance between maintaining the team’s established identity and gradually introducing younger players into leadership positions.
Even critics who argue Messi should no longer start regularly often acknowledge that his presence inside the squad remains extremely valuable. His influence extends beyond tactical contributions on the field.
For nearly two decades, Messi has served as the emotional centre of Argentina’s national team. Players from different generations have consistently described his presence as calming, motivating, and unifying during major tournaments.
Compared to other senior figures such as Otamendi, Emiliano Martinez, or Acuna, Messi still holds unmatched symbolic authority inside the dressing room.
Argentina’s own promotional material for the provisional World Cup squad reflected that reality. Messi’s image was prominently featured in the team’s announcement campaign, underlining his continued role as the face of Argentine football.
The situation is not unique to Argentina. Other major football nations are also relying on veteran players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Japan, for example, continues to include experienced defender Yuto Nagatomo in its national team structure despite the emergence of younger players. Portugal is similarly expected to keep Cristiano Ronaldo involved as a senior figure within its squad.
In many cases, veteran stars are no longer judged solely by their ability to dominate matches physically. Their leadership, tournament experience, and influence on younger teammates are now considered equally important.
Whether Messi starts regularly for Argentina in 2026 may ultimately become secondary compared to the psychological impact of his presence.
Argentina’s path through the group stage also increases the likelihood that Messi will remain heavily involved. Drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, the defending champions are widely expected to qualify comfortably for the knockout rounds.
However, the level of competition could intensify dramatically afterward. Depending on final standings, Argentina may face teams from Group H in the knockout stage, including potential heavyweights such as Spain or Uruguay.
That possibility means Scaloni must carefully calculate how to manage Messi physically while preparing the squad for increasingly difficult opponents.
The Argentina coach is expected to use upcoming friendly matches against Honduras on June 7 and Iceland on June 10 as key opportunities to experiment tactically and evaluate player combinations before finalising his World Cup plans.
Those matches will likely serve as an important testing ground not only for Argentina’s younger talents but also for determining how Messi can still fit effectively into the squad’s evolving tactical structure.
Scaloni faces one of the most delicate balancing acts of his coaching career. Argentina cannot remain dependent on Messi forever, but removing the country’s greatest football icon too quickly could also destabilise a squad still deeply attached to his leadership.
For now, Messi’s place appears secure.
Whether he can still produce decisive moments on the world stage at nearly 39 years old remains uncertain. Yet in Argentina’s pursuit of another World Cup title, the belief persists that even a limited version of Messi may still be capable of changing everything in a single moment.
