#messi
6 2026 FIFA World Cup articles tagged "messi" — latest news, analysis and in-depth coverage.
Team SpotlightsArgentina's World Cup 26 — Messi In, Mastantuono Out
Lionel Scaloni named Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 28, locking the defending champions' roster just days before the FIFA cut-off. Lionel Messi will captain the side in his ...
Team SpotlightsWorld Cup 2026: Argentina Defends the Crown in Messi's Last Dance, with All of South America Behind
Argentina arrives as back-to-back champions with Messi confirmed for his final tournament. Brazil rebuilds under Ancelotti, Uruguay's golden generation gets one last shot, and four more South American sides complete the continent's strongest World Cup contingent ever.
![[Team Focus] 38-Year-Old Messi and the Uncertain "Last Tango": Argentina's Road to Retaining the Title, Captain Still Hesitant](/images/news/messi-last-world-cup.webp)
Team Spotlights[Team Focus] 38-Year-Old Messi and the Uncertain "Last Tango": Argentina's Road to Retaining the Title, Captain Still Hesitant
With only 52 days left until the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, whether [Lionel Messi](/en/team/argentina/player/lionel-messi/), the "star player" of the defending champion Argentina team, will appear on the tournament roster remains an officially unanswered question.
Team SpotlightsIs Messi Playing in the World Cup 2026? Everything We Know
At 38 and playing in MLS, [Lionel Messi](/en/team/argentina/player/lionel-messi/) has confirmed this will be his last World Cup — but questions remain about his fitness, role and minutes.
Team SpotlightsMessi's Last Dance: Can Argentina Defend Their Crown?
Doha's coronation still echoes, but at 38 Messi has confirmed this is his last World Cup. How the staff manages his minutes — and who shoulders creation duties — will decide how far the Albiceleste go.
World Cup History2022 World Cup Recap: Messi's Glory, Mbappé's Hat-Trick & Qatar's Legacy
The most dramatic World Cup final in history capped a controversial but unforgettable tournament in the Middle East. A complete retrospective.