Argentina Kicks Off World Cup 2026 Bid with Messi at the Helm

Argentina's Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, and the country's revered captain Lionel Messi played together in a friendly match against Iceland on June 9, 2026, at Auburn, Alabama.

Lionel Messi is set to lead his team to defend their World Cup title, which they won in 2022. Argentina will face Algeria in their opening match, with a mission to become the first nation to successfully retain their title since Brazil and Garrincha in 1962.

Since his minor calf injury three weeks ago, there was uncertainty surrounding Messi's fitness for the tournament. But 20 minutes into the friendly match against Iceland, all concerns were alleviated as Messi showcased his exceptional skills, scoring a penalty and delivering precise passes.

Lionel Messi, who turned 39 on June 24, 2026, has been playing in the Major League Soccer (MLS) since 2023. He has been enjoying his time in the league, scoring 62 goals in 67 matches for Inter Miami, whom he led to their first championship title. As the 'pulga' (the flea), Messi has consistently performed well, claiming new titles, including the 2024 Copa America.

'There was a doubt because I had said that it would be difficult for me to play another World Cup due to my age,' Messi explained. 'But I started feeling good and got the chance to play, to find my rhythm, to have playing time, to feel good, and things happened naturally.'

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, included Messi in the list of 26 players last month, with the mission to become the first nation to retain their title since the Brazilian legend Pelé and Garrincha in 1962.

Messi, who has been in top form, has already promoted his skills on the MLS fields, with his Inter Miami side winning the championship title. He has also secured new titles under his Argentinian jersey, including the 2024 Copa America. The prospect of Messi retiring after the tournament has been raised but for now, it appears that he is eager to give his all for one last time.