Lionel Messi headlines Argentina preliminary World Cup roster as title defense begins

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni submitted a 55-man preliminary roster to FIFA on Monday, May 11, with 38-year-old Lionel Messi included as the country begins its 2026 World Cup title defense. Messi has not yet officially confirmed his participation, but is widely expected to compete in the tournament held across North America. He last led Argentina to the World Cup title at the 2022 edition and currently plays club football for Inter Miami.