Alejandro Garnacho has secured a place in Argentina's provisional World Cup squad despite a challenging season at Chelsea. Manager Lionel Scaloni has announced a preliminary 55-man roster for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Star-Studded Squad Includes Messi and Garnacho
The squad features high-profile names such as Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, and the iconic Lionel Messi. Chelsea forward Garnacho is also included, despite scoring only one Premier League goal since his £40 million move from Manchester United.
Garnacho's call-up comes after former Argentina international Oscar Ruggeri issued a stark warning about the player's attitude. Speaking to TNT Sports last year, Ruggeri said: "He's no better than anyone else. You're a football player, enjoy it, but you shouldn't be so full of yourself. It's pointless because you miss out on so much. Someone has to bring him down to earth."
Garnacho's International Career So Far
The 21-year-old has earned eight caps for Argentina since his debut in 2023 but has made only one appearance at a major tournament, during the 2024 Copa America. Despite limited playing time, Garnacho has expressed his determination to feature in the World Cup.
"For me, playing for Argentina and with Messi is a dream. I have to keep working and try to play better and better," Garnacho said. "I was at the Copa America with all the team. I didn't play too much but just being around these players and winning the Copa was an incredible moment. Hopefully, for the next World Cup, I will be ready to play, and we will try to win."
World Cup Preparations Underway
Scaloni is aiming for back-to-back World Cup successes after Argentina's triumph in Qatar four years ago. The team will play a pre-tournament friendly against Honduras before facing Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage.
Notably, Roma forward Paulo Dybala has been omitted from the provisional squad after a difficult season in which he scored just three goals.
