Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni on Monday announced his preliminary 55-player squad submitted to FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, led by Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

Scaloni sparked major debate after leaving out Roma forward Paulo Dybala, one of the players who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite earning 40 international caps.

Many fans viewed the omission of the 32-year-old Dybala as a possible end to his international career, while Scaloni continues reshaping the squad ahead of the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will lead a team that combines experienced players with emerging young talents.

The squad includes several young prospects such as Alejandro Garnacho, Franco Mastantuono, and Claudio Echeverri, as well as players currently competing in Brazil, including Palmeiras duo Agustin Giay and Jose Manuel Lopez.

Defending champions Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in the group stage.