Former Manchester City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has provided an insight into when Lionel Messi will decide on his future at Inter Miami.

All signs point to Lionel Messi being included in Argentina’s preliminary squad, a key step ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, meaning all 48 participating teams are entering the final stretch of their preparations for the tournament. Argentina are closely monitoring Lionel Messi’s situation, as he has yet to publicly confirm whether he will play in the competition. However, time is running short, and that decision cannot be delayed much longer. By May 11, all participating federations must submit a preliminary list to FIFA with the players under consideration for the tournament. That means Lionel Scaloni will have to make a decision soon. “The coach will include Messi in the list of 55 players that will serve as the starting point for the final 26-man squad, which must be submitted to FIFA before May 30,” journalist Leandro Contento of La Nacion, one of Argentina’s most prestigious outlets, reported on Thursday. So far, the Inter Miami forward has remained cautious about his chances of playing in what would be his sixth World Cup. The reason lies in doubts about whether he can meet the physical demands of the tournament, as he will be turning 39 by then. Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina. While his inclusion in Argentina’s preliminary squad would not necessarily confirm his presence at North America 2026, it would represent another step toward that outcome. It would mark the first official decision linking Messi to the national team in relation to the upcoming World Cup. What is the purpose of the World Cup preliminary squad? In recent years, FIFA has established two key deadlines for national teams participating in the World Cup. The first requires teams to submit a preliminary list of players under consideration for the tournament, while a later deadline is used to finalize the official roster. In principle, once the final 26-man squad is set, any changes due to injuries or exceptional circumstances can be made with FIFA’s approval. In those cases, replacements must come from the players included in the preliminary list. That initial list, however, is less restrictive than the final roster. In fact, coaches are not required to name the maximum of 55 players—they can submit a smaller group, as long as it includes at least 35. That is exactly what Lionel Scaloni did ahead of Qatar 2022. He put together a 48-player list that included injured players—such as Giovani Lo Celso—as well as young prospects with little chance of making the final squad, like Nicolas Paz and Alejandro Garnacho. When Nicolas Gonzalez and Joaquin Correa had to be replaced due to injury at the last minute, their replacements—Angel Correa and Thiago Almada—were already part of the preliminary list.

Lionel Messi has a chance to go out in a blaze of glory if he can help Argentina to back-to-back World Cups

The 2026 World Cup will bring together the best strikers on the planet in a tournament that promises goals, established stars, and rising talents ready to shine at soccer's biggest event. Leer

Manchester City are interested in signing the Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez at the end of the season. The 25-year-old Argentine international has been very impressive since moving to the Premier League and has been a key player for Chelsea. He has been constantly linked with an exit from the London club in recent months, and […] The post Man City eye 18-G/A game-changer to restore creativity and goals in midfield appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Following the departure of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea are experiencing significant uncertainty regarding their sporting project. Amid this situation, Enzo Fernández could be tempted to leave, with Manchester City reportedly viewing him as a key target in a post-2026 World Cup move. Chelsea are not managing to deliver their best season, with neither Enzo Maresca nor Liam Rosenior emerging as solutions for the squad. Amid this instability, Enzo Fernández could be tempted to leave the club, as they have failed to build a competitive project since his arrival in 2023. Because of this, Manchester City are reportedly targeting the Argentine midfielder in a post-2026 World Cup move. According to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, the Citizens are seriously considering a move for Enzo Fernández. With Bernardo Silva’s departure and uncertainty surrounding Rodri, whose contract runs until 2027, the Argentine is seen as an ideal signing, offering a balance between attacking and defensive contributions while also helping organize the team. In addition, he is reportedly open to changing clubs in the summer of 2026. Despite Manchester City’s interest, Enzo Fernández’s departure from Chelsea may not be straightforward. Not only is he the team’s captain, but he is also under contract until 2032, meaning the club would be under no pressure to sell. Furthermore, the Blues could demand a fee of around €120 million (approximately $140 million), as that was the amount they paid for him in 2023, and they are not keen to let him leave easily given his key role. While the Blues have not been at their best, Enzo has remained one of the team’s standout players. Whether at the base of midfield or in an advanced playmaking role, the Argentine is capable of organizing the team. However, Chelsea are not in a strong moment, having dismissed Liam Rosenior after just three months, setting an unwanted record. As a result, he has faced criticism, along with Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo, but they remain key figures for the team. Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea. Chelsea’s next manager could shape Enzo Fernández’s future Following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have not managed to establish sporting stability of the kind that once led them to winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Far from being solved by Liam Rosenior’s appointment, the club is now going through a period of significant instability that could lead Enzo Fernández to push for a departure. Because of this, the Blues’ decision regarding their next head coach could ultimately define his professional future. According to Jacob Steinberg, via The Guardian, Chelsea players believe the next head coach must be an experienced manager with strong authority to command respect in the dressing room and manage egos—something Maresca did provide. Because of this, if the Blues opt for a young coach or one without experience handling high-profile personalities, Enzo Fernández could push to leave the club, seeking to win major trophies elsewhere. In the event of a potential departure for Enzo Fernández, not only Manchester City would be interested, but also Real Madrid, as per The Athletic. Because of this, the Argentine would have no trouble finding a world-class destination—something Chelsea are aware of and could try to counter by presenting a winning sporting project. However, they have struggled to establish it since Todd Boehly took over as owner of the club.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez could be in contention for the squad for Sunday’s Serie A clash against Torino. According to Sky Sport Italia via FCInterNews, El Toro could be part of the traveling squad against the odds. Lautaro Martinez has been struggling with injury since mid-February. Indeed, he suffered a calf problem during Inter’s […] The post Torino Vs Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Receive Major Injury Boost As Argentina Superstar Could Make Matchday Squad appeared first on SempreInter.com.

Lautaro dovrebbe saltare anche Torino-Inter: l'argentino punta a essere al 100% per la finale di Coppa Italia.

Enzo Fernandez has endured a difficult season at Chelsea and the Argentine is now being eyed by one of the Blues’ Premier League rivals in what would be a surprise move

Il centrocampista argentino ha confessato nelle passate settimane il suo desiderio di provare una nuova esperienza