Lionel Messi has been recalled to Argentina’s 28-man preliminary squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, marking his return to the national team after recovering from injury. The 37-year-old missed the March fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil due to a groin strain but has since returned to action with Inter Miami, scoring six goals in all competitions.
Argentina secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Messi’s absence, beating Uruguay 1-0 and delivering a dominant 4-1 win over Brazil. Messi had expressed disappointment at missing the high-profile clashes, calling them “very special matches,” but noted the importance of resting the minor injury at the time. Now fully fit, he is expected to play a key role as Argentina continue preparations for upcoming tournaments.
Messi’s return also comes just days before he is due to feature with Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 14 June in the United States. Argentina, meanwhile, face Colombia four days earlier in one of two fixtures scheduled for June, the other against Chile.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has also included a mix of youth and experience in his selection. Notably, Nicolas Dominguez has returned to the squad after last playing for the national team in 2021. Valentin Barco and Valentin Castellanos have also been brought back into the fold after extended absences.
The full preliminary squad features goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), and Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven).
In defence, Scaloni has named Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (RC Lens), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), and Valentin Barco (Strasbourg).
The midfield is composed of Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Nicolas Dominguez (Nottingham Forest), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), and Nicolas Paz (Como).
Alongside Messi, the attacking line includes Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), and Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid).
Scaloni’s selection offers a strong foundation as Argentina prepare for their next competitive cycle, with the blend of experienced champions and emerging talents ensuring depth across all areas of the pitch.
