Major League Soccer

·3 June 2026

By Jaime Uribarri

Introducing Lionel Messi.

The legendary No. 10 is once again ready to lead defending champions Argentina at this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi stands out as one of two stars from Major League Soccer in La Albiceleste’s squad, joined by his Inter Miami CF teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

Age: 38

Hometown: Rosario, Argentina

Messi’s landmark move to Miami in the summer of 2023 transformed both Inter Miami and the MLS, elevating them to unprecedented global prominence.

Since his arrival, Messi has guided the club to three major trophies: the MLS Cup presented by Audi in 2025, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup.

His statistics with Inter Miami are nothing short of extraordinary.

The first player to win back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards, Messi has registered an impressive 90 goals and 51 assists in 104 matches across all competitions. He has also broken multiple league records, including surpassing the 100 career goal contributions milestone.

8-time Ballon d’Or winner

90 goals / 51 assists in 104 appearances for Miami (all competitions)

2-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP (2024, 2025)

2025 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi

2025 MLS Cup champion

2024 Supporters’ Shield winner

2023 Leagues Cup champion

2-time Copa América champion (2021, 2024)

Caps: 198

Goals: 116

Messi now aims for his second World Cup title with Argentina, having previously led his country to glory at Qatar 2022.

As Argentina’s most-capped player (198 appearances) and all-time leading scorer (116 goals), Messi also holds the records for most World Cup appearances (26 matches) and minutes played (over 2,314). He is set to feature in his joint-record sixth World Cup tournament.

Argentina and Messi are also two-time defending Copa América winners, having most recently claimed the 2024 title in the United States.

Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

June 16: Argentina vs. Algeria, 9 pm ET | Kansas City, Missouri

June 22: Argentina vs. Austria, 1 pm ET | Dallas, Texas

June 27: Argentina vs. Jordan, 10 pm ET | Dallas, Texas

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded field of 48 nations, up from the traditional 32. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the knockout stage (Round of 32).

The competition, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, runs from June 11 to July 19.

Argentina are set for their 19th World Cup appearance, having qualified for 14 consecutive tournaments since missing out on the 1970 edition in Mexico.

The three-time world champions lifted the coveted trophy in 1978 (as hosts), 1986, and most recently in 2022.

Argentina topped the South American (Conmebol) qualifying standings comfortably, finishing nine points ahead of second-placed Ecuador.

Conmebol nations were granted six direct qualification spots for the tournament.