FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The early exit of Inter Miami from the CONCACAF Champions Cup has reshaped the preparation for what could be Lionel Messi’s final FIFA World Cup. A setback that, paradoxically, may reduce the workload for the 38-year-traditional forward as he approaches the tournament in North America. The cancellation of the Finalissima against Spain, originally scheduled for Qatar, due to the conflict in the Middle East, will also allow Messi one last opportunity to play a competitive match on home soil with the Argentina national team.
Ahead of the penultimate international window before the World Cup, Messi scored for Inter Miami in a 3-2 away victory against Modern York City FC. The free-kick goal was his fourth in as many appearances this season with the reigning MLS Cup champions. The goal also marked Messi’s 900th career goal, a historic milestone achieved on March 18, 2026.
Messi and Inter Miami suffered a significant blow to their 2026 ambitions, being eliminated by Nashville SC in the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup – a title they had prioritized. The 1-1 draw on March 18th, following a previous draw against Nashville, sealed their fate on away goals, as reported by ESPN.
So, what is the plan for Inter Miami and manager Javier Mascherano moving forward? Surprisingly, the answer isn’t rest for Messi. Mascherano believes that playing is precisely what will benefit the superstar most as he prepares for the World Cup.
“We don’t have many midweek games over the next two months. There are only two or three weeks where we’ll have games during the week, the rest will be one game per week,” Mascherano said after the victory over NYCFC on Sunday. “Everything we can secure with Leo is welcome.”
“We understand that he is entering a period that is practically a final stretch. But we know him and we make decisions based on his feelings and how he is feeling,” Mascherano added. This approach underscores the close collaboration between coach and player, prioritizing Messi’s well-being while maximizing his match fitness.
With just over two and a half months remaining until Argentina’s World Cup debut on June 16th against Algeria in Kansas City, the clock is ticking. Eight days later, the captain will turn 39. Argentina will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J of the expanded 48-team, 104-match tournament. The expanded format of the tournament, a first for the World Cup, adds another layer of complexity to the preparations.
Messi traveled to Buenos Aires to join the world champion Argentina squad. Originally slated for a friendly against the European champions, the team instead scheduled a pair of matches against African opponents due to the cancellation of the Finalissima. The first will be against Mauritania on Friday, followed by a match against Zambia next Tuesday. Both games will be played at the Estadio La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, providing a passionate home atmosphere for Messi and his teammates.
There is considerable anticipation surrounding what Messi might say or do in the coming days, or what national team manager Lionel Scaloni might reveal. Messi has recently surpassed the 900-goal mark in his career, a testament to his enduring brilliance. However, he has yet to definitively confirm his participation in a sixth World Cup, stating that the final decision will be based on his day-to-day condition and physical well-being.
Having been eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Messi will not be required to play midweek matches for the next two months, allowing him to focus on the MLS season. This schedule adjustment could prove crucial in managing his fitness and ensuring he arrives at the World Cup in peak condition.
“We try to take care of him as much as possible. We know that he is most comfortable playing and that is also what is best for his physical condition. Now he will go to the national team, and when he returns we will see,” Mascherano explained. This careful management reflects a broader strategy to prioritize Messi’s longevity and maximize his impact on both club and country.
The most favorable scenario for Inter Miami, the Argentina national team, and Messi himself appears to be one where he continues to play regularly, maintaining his sharpness and fitness. Messi has already scored 54 goals in the American league and 901 in his career. His continued success in MLS is vital not only for Inter Miami’s ambitions but also for his own preparation for the World Cup.
“He is an important player. Clearly, without him, it is impossible for us to achieve the objectives we have set for ourselves,” Mascherano emphasized. This statement underscores Messi’s indispensable role within the Inter Miami squad and highlights the team’s reliance on his exceptional talent.
Messi’s 900 career goals, achieved in 1,142 appearances, place him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to reach this milestone. While Ronaldo currently has 965 goals in 1,312 appearances, Messi’s superior assist record (407 to Ronaldo’s 261) gives him a higher total goal contribution. This statistic highlights Messi’s all-around impact on the game, extending beyond simply scoring goals.
The focus now shifts to Messi’s performances with Argentina and his continued contributions to Inter Miami as they navigate the MLS season. The coming months will be critical in determining his readiness for a potential sixth World Cup appearance, and all eyes will be on the Argentine superstar as he continues to chase footballing history.
Next up for Messi and Argentina are the friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires. These matches will provide valuable preparation ahead of the World Cup, allowing Scaloni to assess his squad and fine-tune his tactics. Fans can follow updates on the Argentina national team’s official website and social media channels.
