Is Messi playing for Argentina in 2026 World Cup?

Argentina's soccer star Lionel Messi, 39, injured himself recently. Here's what we know about his possible participation in the World Cup.

World Cup 2026: Will Messi play? Here’s what he said about Argentina

Lionel Messi says he hopes to play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup in North America. The 38-year-old reveals talks with coach Lionel Scaloni and discusses Argentina’s title defence.

Messi would prefer to be an owner rather than a coach when he quits playing

BUENOS AIRES -- BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Lionel Messi would prefer to become a club owner rather than a coach when he quits as a player, the Argentina soccer star has said. In October, he signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami to take him through the 2028 season.
Lawrence Journal-World

Lionel Messi is playing for another trophy; Inter Miami to meet Vancouver in the MLS Cup final

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi works out during a training session, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ahead of Saturday's of the MLS Cup soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Messi playing for another trophy as Inter Miami meets Vancouver in MLS final

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — For Lionel Messi, the MLS Cup final on Saturday will represent some endings. And, quite possibly, a new beginning. Messi and Inter Miami will take on Thomas Muller — one of his longtime rivals — and the Vancouver Whitecaps for ...