Argentina places M Gianluca Prestianni on preliminary roster

Despite facing a FIFA suspension that would include the first two games of the World Cup, Argentina placed midfielder Gianluca Prestianni on its preliminary roster of 55 players.

Also included in the group is forward Lionel Messi, who still has not confirmed that he will play in the tournament for the defending World Cup champions.

Prestianni, was given a six-game suspension for homophobic conduct during a Champions League game in February. Playing for Benfica of Portugal, Prestianni was accused of hurling verbal insults toward Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. He denied using abusive language and said on social media that he was "misunderstood."

The original penalty was handed out by UEFA, Europe's soccer governing body, before, FIFA extended the punishment to all worldwide sanctioned matches.

Prestianni made his debut for Argentina's national team in November.

Messi, 38, scored seven goals for Argentina during the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. In a victory over France in the Final, Messi scored the first goal of the game in the 23rd minute and also scored the first goal in the penalty shootout that followed a 3-3 draw in regulation time.

Messi, Inter Miami's captain, has scored nine goals in 11 MLS matches this season and has 10 goals in 15 matches across all competitions.

--Field Level Media