Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina into what could be his final World Cup appearance this summer, carrying the momentum of a triumphant 2022 campaign and a standout season with Inter Miami in MLS. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, now 37, has given no indication of stepping away from international duty, but the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico represents a natural closing chapter for a player who has already cemented his legacy by delivering Argentina’s third World Cup title. His form in South Florida—where he dragged Miami to a Leagues Cup crown and kept the club competitive in the Eastern Conference—suggests he remains capable of dictating games at the highest level, though the physical toll of a compacted schedule will be closely monitored by manager Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina’s full World Cup schedule has yet to be formally released, but the defending champions will enter the group stage as one of the tournament’s clear favorites. Scaloni’s side has maintained its tactical cohesion since 2022, blending Messi’s creative genius with a ruthless defensive structure and emerging talents such as Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández. The group draw, expected later this year, will determine the path for Messi’s quest to become the first player since Pelé to win back-to-back men’s World