Lionel Messi to Captain Argentina at the World Cup

Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the World Cup, national coach Lionel Scaloni announced Thursday as he unveiled his 26-man squad.

Messi, 38, had not previously confirmed he would play in what will be a record-breaking sixth tournament for the Argentine superstar. 

But it had been widely assumed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner would again lead Argentina, four years after lifting the trophy in



Qatar.

As well as confirming Messi's presence, Thursday's announcement notably excluded Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono from the Argentina squad.

Eighteen-year-old Mastantuono is considered one of the brightest prospects in Argentine football. The largest ever World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off June 11. Argentina's first match will be five days later against Algeria in Kansas City.