Scaloni Announces 55-Man Preliminary Squad for 2026 World Cup

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni announced a preliminary 55-man squad on Monday for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Lionel Messi as the reigning champions prepare to defend their 2022 title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The list features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, with 10 from the Premier League such as Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Tottenham's Cristian Romero, Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, Nottingham Forest's Nicolas Dominguez, Crystal Palace's Walter Benitez and Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia. Atletico Madrid leads representation with six players, including forward Julian Alvarez and goalkeeper Juan Musso. Serie A contributors include Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, Roma's Matias Soule, Como's Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone, Bologna's Santiago Castro and Parma's Mateo Pellegrino.

Messi, now 38 and playing for Inter Miami, tops the forward lineup despite not yet confirming his participation. He holds the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches and recorded 10 goal...