Messi to Lead Argentina in 6th World Cup Appearance

Argentina national football team coach Lionel Scaloni announced the 26-man World Cup squad on the 28th, with superstar Lionel Messi serving as captain to lead the title defense. This will be the 38-year-old Messi's record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance. After winning the Qatar World Cup four years ago, Argentina is ready to challenge for back-to-back titles. A notable omission from the squad is Real Madrid's rising star, Franco Mastantuono. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11. Argentina will face Algeria in their first match. While there have been concerns about Messi's hamstring fatigue, coach Scaloni downplayed the severity of the injury.