Lionel Messi Included in Argentina's Preliminary Squad for 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, as coach Lionel Scaloni prepares for the team's title defense. While Messi's participation remains unconfirmed, he is a crucial part of the strategy. The squad features several European-based players, including Cristian Romero and Alejandro Garnacho. Argentina aims to become the first team to win back-to-back men's World Cups since Brazil in 1962, despite recent trends against defending champions. They are drawn in Group J with debutants Jordan, Algeria, and Austria. Explore the full squad details and Messi's remarkable World Cup legacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 00:49 IST

Argentina's World Cup Preparations

Iconic footballer Lionel Messi has been selected in Argentina's preliminary 55-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni is in the process of assembling his squad to defend their title after their victory in 2022. Although Messi has not officially declared his participation in the tournament, he remains a vital component of Scaloni's long-term strategy as the team gears up for their title defense.

Squad Highlights and Key Players

The extended squad features numerous players from European clubs, including Cristian Romero from Tottenham, Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho, and Nico Paz from Como. Despite being sidelined for the rest of the Premier League season due to injury, Romero has been included as Argentina evaluates their options ahead of final squad decisions.

Messi's World Cup Legacy

Messi holds the record for the most appearances in World Cup history, having played in 26 matches. During Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup campaign, he contributed to 10 goals, becoming the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to achieve this feat in a single tournament.

Historical Context and Group Stage Overview

Argentina aspires to be the first team to win consecutive men's World Cups since Brazil in 1962. However, recent trends are not in their favor, as three of the last four defending champions were eliminated in the group stage. La Albiceleste has been placed in Group J alongside World Cup newcomers Jordan, two-time African champions Algeria, and Austria, which is making its first tournament appearance in the 21st century.

Provisional Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid), Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace FC), Facundo Cambeses (Racing Club), Santiago Beltran (River Plate)

Defenders: Agustin Giay (Palmeiras), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Capaldo (Hamburger SV), Kevin Mac Allister (Union Saint Gilloise), Lucas Martinez Quarta (River Plate), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Otamendi (SL Benfica), German Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Lautaro Di Lollo (Boca Juniors), Zaid Romero (Getafe CF), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Marcos Acuna (River Plate), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais), Gabriel Rojas (Racing Club)

Midfielders: Maximo Perrone (Como 1907), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Guido Rodriguez (Valencia CF), Anibal Moreno (River Plate), Milton Delgado (Boca Juniors), Alan Varela (FC Porto), Ezequiel Fernandez (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Nicolas Dominguez (Nottingham Forest), Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa), Valentin Barco (RC Strasbourg)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Paz (Como 1907), Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico de Madrid), Tomas Aranda (Boca Juniors), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico de Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Matias Soule (AS Roma), Claudio Echeverri (Girona FC), Gianluca Prestianni (SL Benfica), Santiago Castro (Bologna FC), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid), Mateo Pellegrino (Parma Calcio).