Lionel Messi named in Argentina possible squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Lionel Messi was named in Argentina’s preliminary squad for subsequent month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Chile and Colombia, the Argentine Soccer Affiliation introduced on Thursday.

The 37-year-old ahead returns to worldwide responsibility after lacking the March doubleheader on account of an adductor damage. Regardless of his absence, Argentina secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with back-to-back wins over Uruguay and Brazil.

The defending champions will face Chile away on June 5 earlier than internet hosting Colombia in Buenos Aires on June 10. Following the qualifiers, Messi is predicted to return to membership motion with Inter Miami within the opening match of the FIFA Membership World Cup. The MLS facet will tackle Egyptian membership Al Ahly on June 14 in Miami.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has additionally been included within the 28-man squad, having been omitted of latest matches for tactical causes. The 19-year-old’s return comes at a time when head coach Lionel Scaloni is predicted to rotate his squad with an eye fixed on each expertise and youth.

Scaloni will likely be with out a number of key gamers for the conflict in opposition to Chile. Defender Nicols Otamendi and midfielders Enzo Fernndez and Leandro Paredes are suspended however stay a part of the squad and will return for the match in opposition to Colombia.

Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel miss out on account of damage, whereas defenders Marcos Acuna and Germn Pezzella weren’t picked.

Argentina, already assured of a spot on the 2026 World Cup, will use the ultimate rounds of qualification to fine-tune preparations forward of this summer season’s Copa America and the lengthy street to the title defence in North America.

ARGENTINA PRELIMINARY SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martnez (Aston Villa), Gernimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille and Walter Bentez (PSV).

Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atltico de Madrid), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Nicols Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Lens), Nicols Tagliafico (Lyon) and Valentn Barco (Strasbourg).

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Nicols Domnguez (Nottingham Forest), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo de Paul (Atltico de Madrid), Thiago Almada (Olympique de Lyon), Giovani Lo Celso (Betis), Enzo Fernndez (Chelsea) and Nicols Paz (Como).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Julin Alvarez (Atltico de Madrid), Lautaro Martnez (Inter), Valentn Castellanos (Lazio), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicols Gonzlez (Fiorentina) Giuliano Simeone (Atltico de Madrid and ngel Correa (Atltico de Madrid).