With just one month remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni has officially submitted a preliminary 55-man squad to FIFA. This squad, aiming to defend the FIFA World Cup Trophy, features the cornerstone Lionel Messi, several promising young talents, and the inclusion of several veteran champions has sparked intense discussions.
As major leagues approach their final stages, Argentine fans are immersed in the excitement of the domestic league and Copa Libertadores, while "Scaloni's ship" has already taken the first step on the road to defending the title. According to regulations, this 55-man preliminary squad must be reduced to the final 26-man official roster by May 30.
Undoubtedly, Messi remains the center of attention. Although widely expected to participate, the superstar himself has not yet made an official announcement. Messi has repeatedly stated that he will only play if his physical condition is at its peak. While he currently appears to be in excellent form, the suspense remains until the last minute regarding whether he will embark on his sixth World Cup journey.
Behind Messi stands a steel defense and midfield core from the championship-winning squad: Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero (recovering), Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, and Julián Álvarez. These heroes of Argentina's Qatar 2022 World Cup triumph are highly likely to represent their country once again.
Additionally, Gerónimo Rulli, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Acuña, Guido Rodríguez, and Giovani Lo Celso are all included in the preliminary squad. Among them, goalkeepers and full-backs have a higher chance of making the final cut, while Lo Celso's final status remains uncertain, and the inclusion of familiar faces in the defensive midfield position has brought some pleasant surprises.
The most exciting aspect of the squad is the emergence of new talents. In addition to Giuliano Simeone and Nicolás Paz, who have steadily established themselves in the national team, the talented goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán from River Plate and Tomás Aranda from Boca Juniors are the biggest highlights of this preliminary list.
22 Players Secured, 4 Spots Still Up for Grabs
According to Olé newspaper, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the following 22 players have basically secured their tickets to the World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada
Forwards: Nicolás Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, José López, Nicolás González
The remaining 4 spots will be fiercely contested by players including Juan Musso, Facundo Cambeses, Nicolás Acuña, Lucas Medina, Marcos Senesi, Francisco Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, and Matías Mastantuono.