Lionel Messi, already an immortal in footballing lore, is set to embark on perhaps his most audacious challenge yet: leading Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite turning 39 later this month and currently battling a hamstring issue, the Albiceleste captain has been included in coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad, signaling a remarkable pursuit of a second consecutive global title.

The decision comes two years after Messi finally lifted the coveted trophy in Qatar, a moment he described to TyC as the culmination of his career. “It’s madness, look how gorgeous she is!” he exclaimed, holding the World Cup. “I wanted her so much. I had a vision that this would be the one… I wanted to close my career with this. I can no longer ask for anything else, thank God, he gave me everything.”

Defying age and injury

While the dream of defending the title burns bright, the physical realities are stark. Messi is not “fully fit,” reported by Goal.com, suffering from “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” as confirmed by his club, Inter Miami. This injury has already curtailed his 2024 Copa America campaign, raising questions about his ability to withstand the rigors of another World Cup cycle, especially as he approaches 39.

Yet, Messi’s commitment to the national team remains unwavering. After the 2022 triumph, he told fans, “I love what I do, I love being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion.” His presence alone, as teammate Julian Alvarez noted, makes the squad “better.”

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Scaloni’s unwavering faith and a united squad

The foundation for Messi’s continued involvement lies in the deep bond within the Argentina squad, meticulously cultivated by coach Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni had reportedly been saving a spot for Messi in his 2026 squad since 2022, a testament to his faith in the captain. Messi himself lauded Scaloni’s approach, telling ESPN (Australia): “The best thing he did – beyond how he experiences the game or how he sets up matches – is his closeness to the group. The way he treats players, the way he connects with each of them, because he knows them as people and knows how to talk to each one.”

This cohesive unit, described by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as “lions who fight for Messi,” proved its mettle in Qatar. After a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia, the 35-year-old Messi inspired a comeback that saw Argentina win their first World Cup since 1986. During that tournament, Messi delivered a series of historic performances:

• He became the first player to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final of a World Cup.

• He earned his fifth Player of the Match award in eight games.

As Jorge Valdano, a 1986 World Cup winner, observed to The Guardian, “You see the happiness that Leo has: he’s liberated.” That liberation, combined with the fierce loyalty of his teammates and Scaloni’s strategic brilliance, now fuels an improbable quest for a second World Cup. Whether his body can match the ambition of his spirit remains the ultimate question.

Sources: www.goal.com, www.theguardian.com

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