Inter Miami and Lionel Messi eye the 2026 World Cup run in the United States
Lionel Messi looks toward the horizon with a steady belief that a long and fruitful journey to the 2026 World Cup is within reach. The tournament will be staged across North America, and the idea of helping Inter Miami and Argentina compete at the highest level fuels a mix of hunger and pragmatism in the star forward. The road is demanding, but the player and his Miami club carry a clear focus on growth, fitness, and consistency as the new cycle begins.
“World Cup? The year is just starting, I’m starting with great desire and excitement. I hope I feel good and can have a good preseason”, Messi said, framing a season he sees as both a test and an opportunity. The words capture the mindset he brings to a calendar that promises constant competition, rigorous training, and the chance to influence outcomes across leagues and national teams. The message resonates with teammates and supporters who expect him to spark momentum at every turn.
Messi arrived in North America in 2023 after leaving Europe, joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in a move that reshaped the league’s global profile. That summer, the team celebrated a landmark triumph as Messi helped secure the Leagues Cup, the first major trophy for the club on American soil. The victory marked a turning point, signaling a new era for Inter Miami and a new chapter in Messi’s storied career.
Even before his move to the United States, Messi had secured the ultimate prize with Argentina, lifting the World Cup in December 2022. The achievement added to a remarkable resume that already included more than a hundred goals for the national team, underscoring his enduring influence on the game and his capacity to deliver when the stakes are highest. Those victories and benchmarks have continued to shape expectations for what lies ahead in the 2026 cycle.
On a late autumn night, Inter Miami faced a tough setback in the MLS playoffs. They were eliminated in a 3-2 defeat by Atlanta United in the Round of 16, with a goal from Messi that underscored his importance even in defeat. The result ended the club’s bid to advance to the next round, but the performance reinforced the idea that Messi remains a central force capable of turning games even in challenging times.
Rumors about a possible return to Europe persist, reflecting the ongoing conversation around Messi’s career and future options. Yet the immediate focus for the player appears to be what lies ahead with Inter Miami and the broader goals for 2026. A successful preparation and a strong showing in the forthcoming season could amplify his influence on and off the field, including the expectations surrounding a World Cup staged on American soil.
As the calendar turns toward 2025 and beyond, the dialogue around Messi centers on sustained excellence, the opportunity to elevate MLS, and the chance to help Argentina rediscover its best form for another World Cup cycle. His presence in Major League Soccer has already increased attention on the league, inspired younger players, and added a new dynamic to national team planning. For fans in both Canada and the United States, the prospect of watching Messi compete for glory on home soil in 2026 adds a layer of excitement to every match and every training session.
The path to a second World Cup title for Messi will involve a balance of club commitments, international duty, and careful management of the body and schedule. Objective observers see a season where his leadership, experience, and technical brilliance could be decisive in MLS campaigns and in Argentina’s preparations for the Copa America and the World Cup qualifiers. If Messi remains healthy and motivated, the window toward 2026 looks increasingly promising for him and for Inter Miami as they continue to reshape their trajectory in North American soccer.