Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's preliminary roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, marking a significant step towards his participation in the tournament. The announcement was made on May 11, with manager Lionel Scaloni submitting a 55-man list to FIFA that features the iconic forward.

Messi's World Cup Aspirations

At 38 years old, Messi has yet to officially confirm his involvement in Argentina's title defense after leading the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup. However, he is anticipated to play in the tournament, which will be held in North America, where he currently competes with Inter Miami.

Path to the Final Roster

In a recent interview, Messi discussed Argentina's ambitions for a repeat performance and the potential role he could play in their title defense. His inclusion in the preliminary roster positions him as a candidate for the final 26-man squad, which is due to be submitted to FIFA by June 1, with the official announcement expected on June 2.

As the World Cup approaches, Messi's presence on the roster adds excitement for fans eager to see if he can lead Argentina to another championship.