Lionel Messi isn't saying if he plans to play in the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old star led Argentina to the top of the standings of South America’s World Cup qualifiers, but he hasn't confirmed if he'll help his country defend its 2022 title. The World Cup draw is on Friday.

USA TODAY Network soccer experts have their predictions for the 2025 MLS Cup. Is this the championship moment for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami?

Historically, Thomas Muller's teams have an enviable record against Lionel Messi's heading into Saturday's MLS Cup final

We are just awaiting for him to decide," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said about Lionel Messi and the World Cup.

Argentina could play two group matches in North Texas in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and even have its base camp in D-FW.

The holders were given a reasonably attractive group, and Argentina will be the clear favourites to progress as the best of the four. That will bring a round-of-32 tie in Messi’s adopted home of Miami, and it could be a juicy one if Uruguay finish runners-up in Group H.

Lionel Messi is looking for his second World Cup title and his third appearance in a final of soccer's biggest tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to reach his first ever final. Here's how it can happen and where the potential clash could occur next summer.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will face Thomas Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps for the MLS Cup in the final matches for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Messi e Inter Miami se enfrentarán a Thomas Müller —uno de sus rivales de toda la vida— y a los Vancouver Whitecaps por el campeonato de la liga de Estados Unidos. Se trata de la primera final para ambos clubes, así que la MLS tendrá un campeón inédito.

There is a scenario in which Messi & Ronaldo meet in Kansas City at the World Cup. The loser likely would retire from international soccer.