Messi Expected in Argentina's 55-Man Preliminary World Cup Squad — Scaloni to Submit to FIFA by May 11

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to name Lionel Messi in the preliminary 55-man World Cup squad due to FIFA by May 11, as confirmed by multiple reports from World Soccer Talk and ESPN. At 38, Messi is among 21 players considered certainties in Scaloni's squad, alongside Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Lisandro Martínez. Scaloni has consistently said the final decision on Messi's participation rests 'entirely with him' — Messi has expressed a desire to play but has not formally confirmed. The preliminary squad is a staging ground: Scaloni has until June 1 to submit the final 26-man roster to FIFA. Adidas previously unveiled 'El Último Tango' (The Last Tango) signature F50 boots in white, sky blue, and gold — widely interpreted as Messi's World Cup farewell footwear. Argentina are in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, with all three group-stage matches scheduled at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.