Argentina has announced a 55-member preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup, which begins in one month. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s list includes both experienced players and several newcomers, with Lionel Messi retained as part of the group. The Argentine Football Association released the squad officially, from which the final 26 players will later be selected. Only players from this list can replace any injured members before the tournament starts.

Among the surprises is River Plate’s young goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, who joins a group of six goalkeepers but faces tough competition from established names like Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, and Juan Musso. In defense, Argentina faces some concern as Nahuel Molina is recovering from a muscle injury expected to take three weeks. To cover for him, Scaloni included Agustín Giay and Kevin Mac Allister. Boca Juniors’ Lautaro Di Lollo and Getafe’s Zaid Romero were also unexpected inclusions.

In midfield and attack, several new players have been called up for the first time, including Boca Juniors’ Milton Delgado and Tomás Aranda, whom Scaloni described as a remarkable discovery.