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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ben Steiner

Lionel Messi Drops 2026 FIFA World Cup Bombshell

Lionel Messi has been non-committal when asked about his status for next summer's World Cup | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

When the final whistle blew in Qatar, Lionel Messi fell to his knees in a state of catharsis. It took a penalty shootout against France, but he had finally led Argentina to a FIFA World Cup title, one of the few trophies he’d not won through his career. 

While Argentina qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will have a chance to defend their title in North America, they might have to do so without Messi. The Inter Miami forward is unsure whether he’ll join La Albiceleste for the tournament. 

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