Lionel Messi gets closer to a new record at the 2026 World Cup
The Albiceleste footballer entered Lionel Scaloni's preliminary list for the 2026 World Cup. Messi can enter the FIFA history books
The Argentina team already has a clearer picture for the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni published a preliminary list of called-ups. 55 footballers were selected by the Argentine strategist to determine the final list. Among those called is Lionel Messi, a player who could play in his sixth World Cup.
It is not worth mentioning that the list of 55 footballers has to be reduced to 26 players. However, Lionel Messi is increasingly closer to establishing a new record in the World Cup.
In the case of Lionel Messi entering the final list of 26 players, a foreseeable scenario, the Inter Miami footballer would be on the gates of playing his sixth World Cup. From the World Cup from 2006, Messi has seen minutes in the maximum World Cup. If he sees minutes in the 2026 World Cup, Messi would become the only player to play minutes in 6 world tournaments.
Another player who is also close to this record is Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Al Nassr striker hasn't yet entered a preliminary list of the Portugal team. CR7 has played, like Messi, the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Both players are equaled in the mentioned record with five participations. To this list are the names of Antonio Carbajal (Mexico), Lothar Matthäus (Germany), Rafael Márquez (Mexico) and Andrés Guardado (Mexico).
Argentina preliminary list for the World Cup
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille)
Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid)
Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace)
Facundo Cambeses (Racing Club)
Santiago Beltrán (River Plate)
Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid)
Kevin Mac Allister (Union Saint Gilloise)
Lucas Martínez Quarta (River Plate)
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille)
Lautaro Di Lollo (Boca Juniors)
Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille)
Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique de Lyon)
Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors)
Ezequiel Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen)
Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Nicolás Domínguez (Nottingham Forest)
Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa)
Valentin Boat (Racing of Strasbourg)
Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid)
Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid)
Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid)
Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid)
Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid)

