Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been named in the country’s 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old football legend is expected to play in his sixth World Cup tournament, further extending his remarkable international career with Argentina. However, Messi has not officially confirmed whether he will captain the team as they prepare to defend the World Cup title they won in 2022.
During Argentina’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, Messi played a major role in helping the team secure a place in the tournament. The Inter Miami star finished as the top scorer in the qualifiers with eight goals after featuring in 12 of Argentina’s 18 qualifying matches.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also included several top players in the preliminary squad. Julián Álvarez of Atletico Madrid and Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan were both selected.
However, Paulo Dybala, who was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, was left out of the team after not playing for the national side since 2024.
Young Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was also included in the squad list. Despite his selection, the youngster could miss Argentina’s opening two World Cup matches if he makes the final 26-man squad. This follows a six-game suspension handed to him by UEFA for verbally abusing Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. FIFA later confirmed that the punishment would apply worldwide.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero was also included despite being sidelined with a knee injury since April 13. Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho and Como midfielder Nico Paz also made the preliminary list.
Scaloni additionally handed opportunities to several uncapped players, including Getafe centre-back Zaid Romero.
Argentina are set to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J as they attempt to defend their world title.
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