Argentina have named captain Lionel Messi in their 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, putting the veteran forward on course to become the first player to feature in six editions of the tournament.
The 38-year-old will lead the defending champions in the competition across the US, Canada and Mexico after being selected by coach Lionel Scaloni on Thursday.
Messi’s place in the squad had been uncertain after he was forced off during Inter Miami CF’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union last week.
Inter Miami later confirmed that Messi suffered muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after an initial diagnosis indicated an overload. His return to action will depend on his day-to-day recovery.
“The initial updates aren’t entirely bad. Now, we must wait to see how he evolves, pending the results of further tests to see if they confirm the initial medical reports,” Scaloni said in an interview with DSports earlier this week. “We all wished Messi could have joined the squad fully fit, but that isn’t the reality.
“It’s not just him; many players have yet to fully recover from injuries. Our main priority now is their rehabilitation to ensure they reach the World Cup in peak condition.”
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to become the first men’s players to appear in six World Cups.
Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City and will also face Austria and Jordan in the group stage. The team will play friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland before the tournament.
Scaloni has retained 17 members of the squad that won the last World Cup as Argentina attempt to become the first nation to retain the title since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
Among those returning are Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández of Chelsea and Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was also included despite fracturing the ring finger on his right hand during last week’s Europa League final, where Aston Villa FC defeated Freiburg.
Scaloni also selected defender Cristian Romero, who is recovering from a knee ligament injury, while full-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel were included despite ongoing recovery from muscle injuries.
Notable omissions from the squad include Franco Mastantuono, Marcos Senesi and Emiliano Buendía.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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