The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just a few days away, with the tournament kicking off on June 11, hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. Argentina are the defending champions, and will be looking to retain the title, and earn their fourth FIFA World Cup. As manager Lionel Scaloni announced the full squad for the tournament, the focus was obviously on their legend, Lionel Messi. After the squad announcement on May 28, Messi has now equalled a massive world record held by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi was named in the Argentina squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. He will now play in his 6th FIFA World Cup, having been in the Argentina squads in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 prior to 2026. He thus becomes the player to be selected for the most World Cups. He equals the feat achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo, when he himself was named in the Portugal Squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Here are the players with the most number of call-ups in FIFA World Cup history:
| Player | Country | Number Of Call-Ups | Played | Editions |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 6 | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 6 | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Antonio Carbajal | Mexico | 5 | 5 | 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966 |
| Andrés Guardado | Mexico | 5 | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| Lothar Matthäus | Germany | 5 | 5 | 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 |
| Rafael Márquez | Mexico | 5 | 5 | 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 |
| Gianluigi Buffon | Italy | 5 | 4 | 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 |
| Yuto Nagatomo | Japan | 5 | 4 | 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, (2026) |
| Luka Modrić | Croatia | 5 | 4 | 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, (2026) |
| Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | 5 | 3 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
Is Lionel Messi Injured?
Lionel Messi gave fans a mini heart attack after he walked off the field during Inter Miami’s MLS clash against Philadelphia Union, clutching his hamstring after taking a free kick. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 around the corner, the news of Messi's potential injury created havoc among fans. However, Inter Miami provided comforting news, saying that no major damage has been detected. However, the club did not provide a timeline for Messi's return.
"Inter Miami CF’s captain had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, during the match against Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort. After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring," Inter Miami released in a statement.
"The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress," it further added.
Argentina Squad For FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (River Plate), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan).
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