Argentina World Cup 2026: Messi’s Historic Quest to Defend the Crown

Argentina enter the 2026 World Cup as defending champions after a dramatic final victory over France in Qatar 2022. Many thought that would be the crowning glory of Lionel Messi’s career, but the 39-year-old superstar continues to play and is determined to replicate the feat in North America—where he insists this will be his final World Cup.

However, the path to retaining the title is expected to be tougher than four years ago. Messi is older, his form has dipped, and several other key players have also aged. While Argentina boasts promising young talent, some notable names have been left off the final squad.

Messi – Icon more than killer?

Assuming he overcomes a minor hamstring injury, Messi will lead Argentina in their opening match against Algeria on June 16. Although he still scores regularly in MLS for Inter Miami, he is no longer the machine he was in 2022. His playing time in a long, grueling tournament will have to be carefully managed. Messi’s main contribution may come from his presence and aura rather than goals, though he remains a major threat on set pieces thanks to his innate vision, as his speed and power have waned at nearly 40.

Messi is widely expected to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. After a 3-0 win over Venezuela at home in September 2025, he said: “There are so many emotions. I have experienced so much on this pitch. It is always a joy to play in Argentina with the fans. To end like this is what I always dreamed of.”

Seasoned stars

Argentina’s squad includes 17 of the 26 players who triumphed in Qatar. Even if Messi plays a supporting role, the team retains enough experience and talent to win. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) remains an excellent striker—Serie A’s top scorer with 17 goals—while Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) is a potential attacking partner. The midfield is rich in quality from the Premier League and La Liga, from the finesse of Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) to the power of Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) and the energy of Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid). The defense features tough center-backs like Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero, though top-class full-backs are lacking. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is renowned for his penalty-saving prowess—an advantage in World Cup shootouts.

Young talents and stability under Scaloni

A new generation of attackers is emerging: Nico Paz (Como) is a promising attacking midfielder, and 21-year-old Valentin Barco (Strasbourg) has also been called up. However, coach Lionel Scaloni surprised many by omitting Franco Mastantuono (18, Real Madrid) and Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea), both players with pace and creativity.

Scaloni, appointed on an interim basis in 2018, has brought stability and identity to Argentina. With excellent man-management skills, he built a winning side that secured two Copa Americas and a World Cup title. If Scaloni leads Argentina to retain the crown, he would be the first coach to achieve this since Vittorio Pozzo (Italy, 1934 and 1938).

Group stage and schedule

On paper, Group J looks manageable for Argentina, but they have been caught overconfident before—losing to Saudi Arabia in the group stage of Qatar 2022. Algeria (world No. 28) is the first test, while Austria (No. 24) is no pushover. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, is the weakest side, and Scaloni may rest key players in the final group game if the first two matches go well.

• June 16: Argentina vs Algeria (Kansas City, Missouri) – 9 p.m. ET (1 a.m. GMT June 17)
• June 22: Argentina vs Austria (Arlington, Texas) – 1 p.m. ET (5 p.m. GMT)
• June 27: Jordan vs Argentina (Arlington, Texas) – 10 p.m. ET (2 a.m. GMT June 28)

Al Jazeera prediction: Semifinals. Argentina’s quality and tactical acumen should take them far, with or without a fiery Messi. But teams like Spain and France may prove too strong.

Argentina’s World Cup 2026 squad:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras)