News Focus
- Lionel Scaloni omits Paulo Dybala from Argentina’s 55-man World Cup squad
- Several Serie A stars included despite recent injury concerns
- Gianluca Prestianni keeps place despite ongoing racism suspension
- Lionel Messi named but yet to confirm participation
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has announced his preliminary 55-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The defending champions will defend their title in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
The extended squad features numerous footballers from Italy’s top flight. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez heads the Serie A contingent. He is joined by Como midfielder Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone. Roma winger Matias Soulé also receives a call-up. Bologna forward Santiago Castro and Parma attacker Mateo Pellegrino complete the Italian-based selections. Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez is included whilst on loan at Atletico Madrid.
However, one notable absentee is Paulo Dybala. The Roma playmaker recently recovered from a fitness problem. He made his first start since late January last weekend. Despite this return, Scaloni excluded the 31-year-old from his plans.
The list also sparks controversy through the inclusion of Gianluca Prestianni. The Benfica wide man currently serves a ban for alleged racist comments towards Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. He will miss upcoming matches but remains in contention for the World Cup.
Captain Lionel Messi appears on the list too. The Inter Miami forward has not stated publicly whether he intends to compete in what would be his final World Cup.
Between the sticks, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez leads the goalkeeping department. He is joined by Juan Musso of Atletico Madrid and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez among the established names. La Albiceleste captured their third world title in Qatar in 2022. They enter the North American tournament as one of the leading contenders for glory.