When the Argentine Football Association announced their provisional 55-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one name dominated the conversation above all others. At 38 years old, Lionel Messi was officially included in coach Lionel Scaloni’s preliminary squad, though the legendary captain has not yet fully confirmed his availability for the tournament.
The roster, announced on 11 May, features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez join Messi in a forward line with the firepower to carry Argentina’s title defence, while notable absentees include Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football in 2024.
The inclusion of Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro Martinez adds Premier League pedigree to the squad, while Paulo Dybala also misses out despite his history with the national team. The provisional 55 will be trimmed to a final 26 before the tournament begins on 11 June.
The World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in a historic 48-team format. Argentina are aiming to become the third team ever to win back-to-back World Cup titles, following Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. The football world awaits confirmation of whether Messi will be leading the charge one final time as the tournament draws near.
