Messi selected for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad as records come into focus
The 38-year-old forward’s inclusion follows a personal assessment of his fitness, with the Inter Miami star positioned to challenge historical benchmarks amid broader governance challenges for FIFA.
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking his sixth tournament appearance. The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward was not guaranteed a spot, with his participation contingent upon his own assessment of his fitness and usefulness to the national team before coach Lionel Scaloni finalised the roster. His inclusion positions him to challenge several historical benchmarks, including Miroslav Klose’s all-time goals record of 16, with 13 goals currently to his name.
Messi’s selection places him in an exclusive group of players to feature in six World Cups, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa. He currently holds the record for the most men’s World Cup appearances with 26; any match played in 2026 will extend this benchmark. The tournament is widely viewed as the final chapter of Messi’s international career, following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
In the race for the all-time goals record, Messi trails Klose by three goals. Kylian Mbappe, with 12 World Cup goals, is identified as a serious rival in this contest. Messi also seeks to equal Pele’s assist record, with FIFA crediting the Brazilian legend with nine assists, while other historical records credit him with 10. Messi is level with Diego Maradona on eight assists according to some modern lists.
Messi and Pele share the World Cup goal-contribution record at 21, according to FIFA. The Inter Miami superstar also aims to equal Cafu’s record of three World Cup final appearances, having previously reached the final in 2014 and 2022. Cafu appeared in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cup finals.
The announcement comes as FIFA faces political pressure in the United States regarding 2026 World Cup ticket prices and the location of the opening ceremony. Despite these governance challenges, Messi’s role remains a central narrative, with his every minute potentially moving him closer to more World Cup history as Argentina seeks to defend its title.
