Lionel Messi is set to captain the defending champions Argentina at a record sixth World Cup this summer in North America. The 38-year-old forward was named in coach Lionel Scaloni's 26-player squad announced on Thursday. With this appearance, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first male players to participate in six World Cups.

Injury Concerns and Recovery

Messi's participation was uncertain after he left the field during an MLS match with Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union due to an injury. Inter Miami later confirmed that he was suffering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, following an initial diagnosis of overload. The timeline for his return will depend on his daily recovery progress.

Scaloni addressed the situation in an interview with DSports, stating, "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." He emphasized the importance of Messi's fitness, noting, "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."

Argentina's World Cup Group and Squad Details

Argentina will compete in the group stage against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, beginning on June 16 in Kansas City. To prepare, the team will also play friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland. Scaloni's squad includes 17 players from the last World Cup, with notable names such as Messi's Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, and Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who recently fractured a finger during the Europa League final, is also part of the squad. Additionally, defender Cristian Romero is recovering from a knee injury, while fullbacks Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, who both played crucial roles in the previous World Cup, are also working through muscle injuries.

However, some players were notably omitted from the squad, including Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, and Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendía.

As Argentina aims to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962, all eyes will be on Messi and his teammates as they prepare for the tournament.