World champions unveil 55-member provisional squad ahead of title defence next month globally.
Buenos Aires
Defending champions Argentina national football team have announced their preliminary 55-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with superstar captain Lionel Messi included despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding his participation.
Messi, who guided Argentina to their historic third World Cup title in Qatar four years ago, remains part of coach Lionel Scaloni’s provisional plans. However, Scaloni clarified that the final decision regarding Messi’s participation will rest entirely with the veteran forward and his physical condition ahead of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will mark another major chapter in Messi’s legendary international career.
Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria national football team, Austria national football team and Jordan national football team. The South American giants will begin their title defence against Algeria on June 16.
The preliminary squad features a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talents. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez headlines the options between the posts alongside Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso.
In defence, senior players such as Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martínez have been retained, while the midfield will once again revolve around Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.
The attack includes several exciting names alongside Messi, including Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Alejandro Garnacho.
One notable omission from the squad is Paulo Dybala, whose absence has surprised many supporters.
Argentina will trim the provisional list before submitting the final squad for the expanded 48-team World Cup, where Scaloni’s side will attempt to defend the trophy they won memorably in Qatar in 2022.
