Valencia-born Mateo Pellegrino named in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup preliminary squad | OneFootball

Argentina’s federation announced a 55-man provisional list for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, including Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino. Lionel Scaloni’s selection gives the Valencia-born forward a shot at the final squad.

Born in Valencia while his father Mauricio starred for the club’s early 2000s title winners under Héctor and Rafa Benítez, Pellegrino has a strong Mestalla link.

He started in Valencia’s academy before moving to Milan, where his father joined Benítez’s staff, then progressed at Vélez Sarsfield. Loans to Estudiantes and Platense followed, before Parma signed him in winter 2025 for 1.6 million euros.

This season he has 11 goals and one assist in 37 games, 35 in Serie A with eight goals, plus two in the cup. His inclusion is one of the list’s biggest surprises.

Most leading names feature, but decisions remain before Scaloni confirms the final 26 by 30 May. New faces include Santiago Castro, Tomás Aranda and Giuliano Simeone, and goalkeepers include the surprise of River Plate’s Santiago Beltrán.

In defence, fitness is being monitored, particularly at right-back after Nahuel Molina’s injury, with Agustín Giay, Kevin Mac Allister and Nicolás Capaldo pushing to be included.

The current Valencia midfielder, a Qatar 2022 world champion, returns to Scaloni’s plans with Nicolás Domínguez, Aníbal Moreno and Emiliano Buendía. Paulo Dybala, Ángel Correa and Valentín Castellanos are omitted.

The champions’ core remains led by Lionel Messi with Emiliano Dibu Martínez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. Youth options such as Franco Mastantuono, Claudio Echeverri, Alejandro Garnacho and Pellegrino are included, and the striker has drawn Premier League interest.

Source: Superdeporte