After a brilliant start to his Major League Soccer career, Lionel Messi returns to international duty this week as South… MONTEVIDEO Nine months ago, Messi capped his glittering career by leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in Qatar, solidifying his status as the greatest player of his generation.
Messi back as 2026 World Cup qualifiers: Saudi Arabia courted Messi following a contentious finish to his career with Paris Saint-Germain, but he ultimately chose to embark on a new chapter with Inter Miami.
Inter coach Gerard “Tata” Martino, a former Argentina and Barcelona player, stated that Messi has felt “liberated” after finally getting Argentina to the World Cup last year following multiple excruciating major championship close calls.
In remarks made in June, Messi appeared to throw cold water on that possibility by declaring he would not anticipate participating in the 2026 championship game. Even I have no idea when. It will occur when it occurs, Messi assured the Argentine media.
“I don’t know for sure, but logically, given my age, one would expect it to be soon.” Lionel Scaloni, the manager of the World Cup-winning Argentina team, is undoubtedly not in the mood to press the point.