Lionel Messi -- World Cup 2026

Argentina • Inter Miami

Lionel Messi arrives at the 2026 World Cup as the defending champion, the greatest player in the history of the sport, and -- uniquely for New York -- a local. He has been playing for Inter Miami since July 2023, training in Harrison, New Jersey, 20 miles from MetLife Stadium where the Final will be held.

Who is Lionel Messi?

At 38 years old, this is Messi sixth and likely final World Cup. He won in Qatar in 2022, scoring in the Final and converting in the penalty shootout against France. He has 106 international goals, 8 Ballon d'Or awards, and a CV that will never be matched. At the 2024 Copa America he was instrumental in Argentina title defense. His fitness -- managed carefully by Inter Miami ahead of this tournament -- is the only real question.

Lionel Messi and New York

The Argentine community in Jackson Heights, Queens has been watching Messi play club football a few miles away for two years. Red Bull Arena matches against Inter Miami have drawn the largest Argentine crowds in MLS history at that venue. For the Final on July 19 -- if Argentina get there -- Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights will be one of the great public gatherings in New York City history.

How to watch Lionel Messi at the World Cup

All World Cup matches air on FOX or FS1 in English, Telemundo or Universo in Spanish. FuboTV carries all four channels with a free trial.

Get tickets to see Lionel Messi play at MetLife