New Delhi, May 29 -- Amid a worrying rash of injuries, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sought to dispel doubts by confirming that most of the reigning world champions, including captain Lionel Messi, will be part of the squad that will seek a second consecutive title at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi, about to turn 39, headlines the 26-man World Cup roster announced by the Argentine Football Association on Thursday.

Of those called up, 17 players were part of the team that triumphed four years ago in the final against France in Qatar.

Several of those players were in doubt due to injuries of varying severity, close to the June 1 deadline set by FIFA for finalizing World Cup squads. Among them was Messi himself, who is suffering from muscle f...