Messi and De Paul Called up by Argentina for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Published on May 29, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Inter Miami CF News Release

Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul have been called up by the Argentinian national team for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the pair making history by becoming the second and third players to represent the Club at the global competition.

Messi is set to make an unprecedented sixth appearance at a FIFA World Cup. In his historic international career, our captain has guided Argentina to the 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América titles and 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions crown, and further cemented his legacy by leading his country to a historic FIFA World Cup title in 2022.

Messi also notably holds the records for most caps (198) and most goals (116) for Argentina, while also holding the international record for most World Cup goals (13), most World Cup match appearances (26) and being the only player to score in the World Cup group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final.

De Paul, meanwhile, is set for a second career World Cup appearance after his key role en route to lifting the cup in 2022. El Motorcito was also one of the main figures alongside Messi in La Albiceleste's 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América and 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions conquests. In all, the versatile midfielder has earned 85 caps, scoring two times, in his fruitful international career for Argentina.

Argentina was drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Argentina Group Stage Schedule - FIFA World Cup 2026

Tuesday, June 16 at 9 p.m. ET - Argentina vs. Algeria (Kansas City Stadium)

Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. ET - Argentina vs. Austria (Dallas Stadium)

Saturday, June 27 at 10 p.m. ET - Jordan vs. Argentina (Dallas Stadium)

Major League Soccer Stories from May 29, 2026

• Chicago Fire FC Defender Joel Waterman Called up to the Canada Men's National Team for FIFA World Cup 2026 - Chicago Fire FC
• Five Vancouver Whitecaps FC Alumni Selected to Represent Canada in FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• St. Clair Called up by Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026 - Inter Miami CF
• Snyder Brunell and Stuart Hawkins Called-Up to United States Men's Youth National Teams - Seattle Sounders FC
• Philadelphia Union Launch "Soccer in Schools" Program as Part of World Cup Legacy Initiative - Philadelphia Union
• Revolution Academy U-18s and U-15s Cap 2025-26 Season at MLS NEXT Cup - New England Revolution
• Inter Miami CF Academy U-12s to Participate in the Inaugural MagiCup in Orlando - Inter Miami CF
• Get to Know Panama Captain and SDFC Midfielder Aníbal Godoy - San Diego FC
• Match Time Change: Red Bull New York vs. Inter Miami CF on October 24 - Inter Miami CF
• J.D. Gunn Called up to Panama National Team for International Friendlies - New England Revolution
• Inter Miami CF and Heron Sports & Entertainment Announce Events to be Held at Inter Miami CF Facilities Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Inter Miami CF
• San Jose Earthquakes Midfielder Edwyn Mendoza Earns U.S. U-20 Men's National Team Call-Up - San Jose Earthquakes
• LAFC and Defender Lorenzo Dellavalle Mutually Agree to Part Ways - Los Angeles FC
• Don't Miss the Night Miami Will Never Forget: Carín León's Historic Nu Stadium Concert Is 30 Days Away - Inter Miami CF
• Chicago Fire FC Midfielder Robin Lod Called up to Finland Men's National Team for International FIFA Window - Chicago Fire FC
• Academia Quintana- Young Kingz Named 2026 Dreams Cup U-15 Champions on Trip Funded by the Inter Miami CF Foundation - Inter Miami CF
• Houston Dynamo & Dash Charities Announce Summer Soccer Celebration Community Tour, Presented by Kroger - Houston Dynamo FC
• St. Louis CITY SC Homegrown Forward Mykhi Joyner Called up to U.S. U-20 MNT International Training Camp in Bulgaria - St. Louis City SC
• Revolution Homegrown M Eric Klein Called up to United States Under-20 National Team - New England Revolution
• Sawyer Jura Called up to U.S. U-20 Men's National Team for June Training Camp in Bulgaria - Portland Timbers
• Messi and De Paul Called up by Argentina for the FIFA World Cup 2026 - Inter Miami CF
• Major League Soccer Viewership up 62% in 2026 as Fan Growth Continues Across Platforms - MLS

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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