The enduring image of the 2022 World Cup is that of Lionel Messi, bending slightly to kiss the World Cup trophy he finally could call his own.
Messi has since moved to Florida, where he continued to add to his silverware collection by lifting MLS Cup in 2025, the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and Leagues Cup in 2023. But will he be on the fields in the U.S. this summer helping Argentina defend that World Cup title won in Qatar?
While Messi continues to suit up consistently for both Inter Miami and Argentina, he is yet to officially confirm that he will play in the 2026 World Cup.
Most analysts, however, expect him to play at one more tournament, making it a sixth World Cup alongside longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo this summer. Already, Messi has played in more World Cup matches than any other player in history, his 26 games edging out Germany's Lothar Matthäus.
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Mar. 18, 2026: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Sergio Reguilon #3 of Inter Miami CF after scoring his team's first goal during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, scored his 900th goal for club and country in Inter MiamiÕs match against Nashville SC.
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Dec. 6, 2025: Lionel Messi lifts the Philip F. Anschutz trophy after Inter Miami's win in 2025 MLS Cup. Messi was named the game's MVP in the 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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Nov. 5, 2025: Lionel Messi holds the "key to the city" that he received from Miami mayor Francis Suarez at the American Business Forum at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
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July 5, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with his Inter Miami teammate after scoring a goal against CF Montreal during the first half at Saputo Stadium. Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win.
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May 31, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal against the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 5-1 win.
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May 3, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (9) after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami won the game, 4-1.
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Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Mar. 18, 2026:Lionel Messi#10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammate Sergio Reguilon #3 of Inter Miami CF after scoring his team's first goal during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, scored his 900th goal for club and country in Inter MiamiÕs match against Nashville SC.
What did Argentina's coach say about Messi's World Cup future?
Lionel Scaloni must be one of the people rooting hardest for Messi to confirm he'll be at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina manager won the World Cup with Messi and also utilized the superstar during qualification for this tournament. Argentina topped the South American standings with 12 wins, four defeats and a pair of draws.
Scaloni has been consistent, however,in saying that it's Messi who will have the final say.
"It’s a question that’s more for him, but for my part you already know what I think," he said at a news conference in March. "I’ll do everything possible for him to be there.
"Honestly, I think for the good of soccer he has to be there but I’m not the one who says. I’ve always said it’ll be him, the way he’s feeling, his state of mind, his physical status. It’s difficult. Not just us Argentines want to see him. Everyone wants to see him."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Is Lionel Messi playing at 2026 World Cup?
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