Messi to captain Argentina at World Cup as Scaloni plays down injury fears

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. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list It had been widely assumed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would again lead Argentina, four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar, but an injury sustained while playing for his …