Messi Named in Argentina’s 55‑Man 2026 World Cup Squad as Prestianni Faces Ban

Argentina has placed Lionel Messi in its preliminary 55‑man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while teammate Gianluca Prestianni serves a six‑match ban that could keep him out of at least two group games.

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni announced the initial squad on Monday, naming 55 players ahead of the tournament co‑hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Fans have speculated about Messi’s international retirement since he turned 38 and won his third World Cup with Argentina in Qatar 2022. The preliminary list represents the first step toward the final 26‑man squad that will be submitted to FIFA before the competition begins.

Scaloni included Messi among the 16 forwards listed for the preliminary squad, confirming his presence despite the player’s repeated hints that he is playing his final matches. After an Inter Miami match in June, Messi said he is conscious he is playing his final matches and is enjoying them to the maximum, adding that fans are watching his final moments in football’s elite. Prestianni, a 20‑year‑old forward who debuted for Argentina in November, faces a six‑match ban imposed by UEFA for homophobic slurs directed at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League fixture in February; FIFA extended the sanction to all World Cup matches, likely keeping him out of at least two group games.

Fans must wait for the final 26‑man roster to learn whether Messi will play in the tournament. The ban on Prestianni reduces Argentina’s attacking depth, which may force Scaloni to rely on other forwards such as Julián Álvarez or Ángel Di María in the opening matches against Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Both situations highlight the transitional phase Argentina faces as it seeks to defend its title while managing veteran departures and disciplinary issues.

Watch for Scaloni’s final squad announcement in May and any update on Messi’s decision, as well as whether Prestianni’s ban will be appealed or reduced before the tournament opens on June 11.