Lionel Messi is expected to be named in Argentina's 55-man [1] preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The return of the veteran forward is critical as Argentina seeks to defend its 2022 World Cup title. His participation allows the squad to integrate its most experienced player ahead of the tournament's final stages.
Messi, who is 37 years old [2], will return to the senior national team for upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers. These matches will be played against Venezuela and Bolivia. The forward's inclusion is part of a broader effort to prepare the team for a potential sixth tournament for the star player.
Recent reports indicate that Messi has been training in Kansas, U.S. While he is slated for the upcoming qualifiers, his integration into the team's rhythm has varied. At the first camp in Kansas, Messi trained separately from the rest of the squad [3].
The preliminary squad list, which includes 55 players [1], serves as the foundation for the final roster. This expanded list allows the coaching staff to evaluate fitness and form before narrowing the selection for the tournament. Messi's presence in the qualifiers is a key step in verifying his match fitness amid his current run in Major League Soccer.
Argentina's preparation involves balancing the experience of veteran players with the need for physical endurance. The upcoming matches in Venezuela and Bolivia will provide a testing ground for the team's tactical approach, and Messi's specific role on the pitch.
“Messi is expected to be named in Argentina's 55-man preliminary squad”
Messi's inclusion in the preliminary squad signals that Argentina continues to view him as a central pillar of their strategy despite his age. The decision to have him train separately in Kansas suggests a cautious approach to his physical conditioning, aiming to avoid injury before the high-intensity qualifiers and the tournament itself.
