Messi's Sixth World Cup: Argentina Aim to End Back-to-Back Title Drought

Lionel Messi will on Tuesday become the first footballer to play in a sixth World Cup, as Argentina begin the defence of the title they won in Qatar in 2022. The 38-year-old, who turns 39 in a matter of days, leads the Albiceleste against Algeria in Kansas City, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm local time (10pm Buenos Aires).

Argentina's campaign comes with the weight of history: no team has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Ending that 'curse' is Messi's stated objective, according to reports from the Buenos Aires Times.

Messi's participation was confirmed by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni when he unveiled his squad on May 28. The forward had previously suggested that the 2022 tournament might be his last, but he said he 'kept feeling good and taking things day by day.'

'The whole world is waiting to see Lionel Messi,' Scaloni told his pre-match press conference. 'Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentines, because of the impact he has on people. He has always been crucial for us and now he will be even more so. He looks good.'

Messi proved his fitness with a 20-minute cameo off the bench in Argentina's final warm-up friendly, a 3-0 win over Iceland last week, in which he scored from the penalty spot. He had been sidelined with a muscle injury suffered while playing for Inter Miami in late May.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from the Buenos Aires Times emphasise Messi's enduring quality and the team's confidence. Centre-back Nicolás Otamendi, who will play in his fourth World Cup, described Messi as a 'competitive animal' who 'makes you keep trying, doesn't let you relax.'

'We enjoy every moment with him,' Otamendi added. 'He is a humble person who enjoys the team gatherings and training sessions.'

Scaloni has sought to temper expectations, listing Argentina among '10 or 12' teams that will be 'competing and trying to reach the final.' In an interview with Argentine sports outlet Olé, he named Spain, France, Portugal, England, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Morocco, and Croatia as strong contenders.

'It's not enough simply to play well, to dominate matches, or to be a major national team,' Scaloni warned. 'A whole series of factors have to come together to make the path easier for you.'

Argentina lost their opening match to Saudi Arabia in Qatar before going on to win the tournament. 'The last World Cup taught us that the opening game isn't decisive,' Scaloni said. 'It's important, sure, but we have the peace of mind of knowing it doesn't end there.'

The coach also noted that 17 members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad are back for this tournament. 'Fortunately, we have a core group of players – I'd say 60 or 70 per cent of the squad – who have been together throughout this cycle,' he said.

Key Claims

  • Lionel Messi will become the first player to appear in six World Cups.
  • Messi scored both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, a result that secured the team's place in the knockout stages.
  • Argentina's first match of the 2026 World Cup is against Algeria.
  • Messi has scored 62 goals in 67 Major League Soccer appearances since joining Inter Miami.
  • Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi's participation and said the team is in good shape and confident.
  • Cristian Romero has an injury concern; Scaloni said 'we don't yet know the extent of Cuti's problem' and that tests would follow.
  • Messi is 38 years old and will turn 39 in a matter of days.
  • Argentina are defending their World Cup title.
Scaloni also addressed Messi's penalty miss during the Austria match, saying: 'After the penalty, there were a few minutes when it seemed like nothing was happening, but that's also a product of the maturity this team has. Missing a penalty is a blow, but when Messi switches on, everyone switches on.'

'Today, when the team was suffering without the ball, he worked hard,' Scaloni added. 'He won possession back in the move for the goal. You could see how committed he was.'

Messi's record-breaking potential extends to the World Cup scoring charts, where he trails Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals by three. The Argentine has 13 goals in World Cup finals.

The match against Algeria is Argentina's first in Group stage, with the tournament running from June 11 to July 19 across North America. Scaloni has indicated that he may rotate his squad for the final group match against Jordan, saying 'the idea is for most of the players to feature because they deserve it.'