Argentina named Lionel Messi in its 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 11, with the 38-year-old captain included as reports said he has not yet confirmed whether he will play. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
The preliminary list was submitted to FIFA by coach Lionel Scaloni, and Argentina must file its final 26-man squad by June 1 before FIFA is expected to publish the definitive roster on June 2. [1, 2, 3, 6]
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is being described in reports as possibly heading into his final World Cup. He said, “I’m conscious that I’m playing my final matches, and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” and added, “I’m sure that you’re watching my final moments in football’s elite.” [4]
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup and brought several members of that title-winning group back into the preliminary squad, including Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel and Rodrigo De Paul. ESPN said Messi scored 8 goals in 12 World Cup qualifying matches, finishing as South America's top scorer in the campaign. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
Argentina also has warm-up matches scheduled before the tournament, with reports naming Honduras and Iceland among the opponents. Some reports say Argentina open against Algeria on June 16, while another said the match is June 17 in Kansas time, also against Algeria. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
