Messi leads Argentina provisional World Cup squad

Lionel Messi was among 55 players named in Argentina's preliminary squad on Monday for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Lionel Messi (center) of Argentina competes during the Round of 16 match between Argentina and Australia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec 3, 2022. (CAO CAN / XINHUA)

The 38-year-old leads an attack that also features Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and Bologna's Santiago Castro.

The list includes several uncapped players, including Boca Juniors defender Lautaro Di Lollo, Castro, Getafe center-back Zaid Romero and River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran.

FIFA has set a June 2 deadline for final World Cup squads.

Argentina will begin its World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before also facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.