Lionel Messi named in Argentina squad for sixth World Cup after shaking off injury scare | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has been named in Argentinal’s squad for the World Cup despite a late injury scare.

The 38-year-old forward was among 17 players who were in the triumphant 2022 squad named again in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man selection for this year’s tournament in North America.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero were also included.

Inter Miami said Messi suffered “physical discomfort” before being substituted late in Sunday’s 6-4 MLS victory over Philadelphia.

He clutched at his hamstring after taking a free-kick and headed straight down the tunnel after being replaced.

The Argentina captain will be playing in his sixth World Cup since making his tournament debut as a teenager in 2006.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been included having fractured his ring finger warming up ahead of the Europa League final.

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17 of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup return four years on (Getty)

Spurs captain Romero, meanwhile, missed the end of the Premier League season with a knee injury but is likely to be a key figure defensively.

Argentina begin their campaign against Algeria on 16 June and also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid).

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Facundo Medina (Marseille).

Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg).