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.

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

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.
World Soccer Talk on MSN

Messi’s Argentina teammate at risk of missing 2026 World Cup due to serious injury

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, one of Lionel Messi’s teammates on the Argentina national team may have suffered a worrying injury. The months leading up to every World Cup are usually unique.

Watch Messi in South America LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on OneFootball

The best soccer player in the world is going to play a series of friendlies across South America, and you can follow everything on OneFootball.Lionel Messi's Inter Miami is conducting the pre-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.

Could Lionel Messi return to boyhood team? Newell’s Old Boys coach thinks so

The Inter Miami captain recently signed a three-year extension with the MLS side.
NBC 6 South Florida

Messi playing for another trophy as Inter Miami to meet Vancouver in MLS Cup final

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 Major League Soccer's ...