Just weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina have officially announced their preliminary squad. Amid the uncertainty, head coach Lionel Scaloni has included Lionel Messi, while leaving out Ăngel Di MarĂa along with five other champions from Qatar. Argentina have managed to maintain their status as CONMEBOLâs top national team, impressing in the qualifiers. Demonstrating his mastery, Lionel Scaloni has successfully rebuilt his roster while maintaining a high level of competitiveness. Although Lionel Messiâs participation was initially in doubt, he has been included in the preliminary squad, as he remains the teamâs linchpin. However, Ăngel Di MarĂa is officially out of the tournament, along with other key players. Ăngel Di MarĂa remained firm in his retirement from the national team, ruling out a return to play in the 2026 edition. Nevertheless, Lionel Messi decided to continue with Argentina, shining in the Qualifiers from both a scoring and creative standpoint. Because of this, the 38-year-old star has been included in the preliminary squad, aiming to be an undisputed starter in his sixth participation in the tournament. Lionel Scaloni has shown that he is carrying out a generational transition in Argentina, including young players in the preliminary squad such as Santiago Castro, JosĂ© Manuel LĂłpez, Mateo Pellegrino, NicolĂĄs Paz, and others. In addition, the head coach has given several youngsters a prominent role during the latest friendly matches, looking for them to make a difference either as substitutes or starters for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Despite the inclusion of the youngsters, Argentina are keeping their veteran core, retaining Emiliano MartĂnez, NicolĂĄs Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul, and NicolĂĄs Otamendi, who are all expected to be starters in what could be their final World Cup edition. Alongside them, Lautaro MartĂnez and JuliĂĄn Ălvarez are set to complement Lionel Messi in attack, as he pursues his second consecutive title. Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina celebrate with the trophy. 6 World Cup champions from Qatar will miss the 2026 World Cup Argentina have already begun rebuilding their roster, aiming to remain competitive for the 2030 edition. With this in mind, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to leave Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, Alejandro GĂłmez, and Ăngel Correa off the preliminary 2026 roster, despite they have not announced their retirement from the national team. While Angel Di Maria and Franco Armani are also absent, they chose not to return to the national team. Argentinaâs full preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup Head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to rely on a preliminary squad with very few changes compared to what we have seen in the latest matches. Blending Qatar-winning veterans with young players, Argentina are aiming to become champions of the 2026 edition, with Lionel Messi leading the attack once again. Here is the full official list. Goalkeepers: Emiliano MartĂnez â Aston Villa, GerĂłnimo Rulli â Olympique De Marsella, Juan Musso â AtlĂ©tico De Madrid, Walter BenĂtez â Crystal Palace, Facundo Cambeses â Racing Club, Santiago Beltran â River Plate Defenders: AgustĂn Giay â Palmeiras , Gonzalo Montiel â River Plate, Nahuel Molina â AtlĂ©tico De Madrid, NicolĂĄs Capaldo â Hamburgo Sv, Kevin Mac Allister â Union Saint Gilloise, Lucas Martinez Quarta â River Plate, Marcos Senesi â Bournemounth, Lisandro MartĂnez â Manchester United, NicolĂĄs Otamendi â Sl Benfica, GermĂĄn Pezzella â River Plate, Leonardo Balerdi â Olympique De Marsella, Cristian Romero â Tottenham Hotspur, Lautaro Di Lollo â Boca Juniors, Zaid Romero â Getafe Cf, Facundo Medina â Olympique De Marsella, Marcos Acuña â River Plate, NicolĂĄs Tagliafico â Olympique De Lyon, Gabriel Rojas â Racing Club. Midfielders/Forwards: MĂĄximo Perrone â Calcio Como 1907, Leandro Paredes â Boca Juniors, Guido RodrĂguez â Valencia Cf, AnĂbal Moreno â River Plate, Milton Delga