Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, a move that keeps the door wide open for the captain to appear in a sixth global tournament. The inclusion of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner underlines coach Lionel Scaloni’s intention to build his title defence around the player who delivered the trophy in Qatar.

Messi, now 38, has not publicly confirmed whether he will definitely lead the Albiceleste at the finals, but his form in qualifying left little doubt about his importance. He finished as the top scorer in South American qualifying with eight goals, appearing in 12 of Argentina’s 18 matches and remaining the focal point of their attack.

The provisional list blends experience with a new generation of talent. Established forwards Julián Álvarez of Atletico Madrid and Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan are both included, offering Scaloni a wealth of options in the final third. In contrast, Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala, a member of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, has been left out after a long spell away from the national team.

One of the most intriguing names is Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. The teenager’s selection signals Argentina’s willingness to fast-track emerging stars, but his potential World Cup impact is already complicated. Prestianni is serving a six-game suspension imposed by UEFA for verbal abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in the Champions League, with FIFA extending the sanction worldwide. If he makes the final 26-man squad, he would be unavailable for Argentina’s first two group matches.

At the back, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has been included despite a knee injury that has sidelined him since mid-April, suggesting optimism within the national team’s medical staff about his recovery. Young attacking talents Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea and Nico Paz of Como also feature, underlining Scaloni’s commitment to refreshing the squad around Messi’s enduring presence.

The coach has further widened the talent pool by calling up several uncapped players, among them Getafe centre-back Zaid Romero, as he tests depth across all lines of the team.

Argentina will open their World Cup campaign against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J, with the football world watching to see whether Messi can extend his extraordinary international story on the sport’s biggest stage once more.