Messi to captain Argentina at World Cup

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will captain Argentina’s World Cup defence at the 2026 edition, national coach Lionel Scaloni announced as he unveiled his 26-man squad.

Messi had not previously confirmed he would play in what will be the 38-year-old’s record-breaking sixth tournament.

As well as confirming Messi’s presence, Thursday’s announcement notably excluded Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono from the Argentina squad.

Eighteen-year-old Mastantuono is considered one of the brightest prospects in Argentinian football.

The largest ever World Cup, cohosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on June 11.

Argentina’s first match will be five days later against Algeria in Kansas City.

Messi’s injury scare in recent days came following his substitution in Miami’s final Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture before a break in the tournament for the World Cup.