Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has expressed his strong belief that the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026 will not only be an exceptionally competitive tournament but will also significantly accelerate the growth and development of football in the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted across North America by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is drawing closer, and the iconic forward shared his excitement for the monumental event. Speaking during an interview at the American Business Forum (ABF) in Miami, Messi articulated his high expectations for an extraordinary level of competition. He anticipates that numerous powerful teams from across the globe will converge to vie for the coveted World Cup trophy, with many also aiming to establish new historical records for their respective nations.
The captain of the 2022 World Cup-winning Argentine squad emphasized his optimism, stating, “I truly have high expectations that this World Cup will see extraordinary things happen. There will be many great matches with big teams from around the world.”
In conjunction with his predictions for the tournament’s on-field action, the Inter Miami striker lauded the efforts of the organizing committees. He specifically praised the meticulous preparations for the host stadiums and the palpable enthusiasm displayed by football fans across the United States. The former Barcelona player further highlighted that this historic football event will present an unparalleled opportunity to elevate American soccer, especially by inspiring a new generation of youngsters to embrace and fall in love with the sport.
Demonstrating his personal commitment to youth development, the Argentine football icon also revealed plans to launch a new youth tournament, the “Messi Cup,” scheduled to take place in December. This initiative aims to bring together eight top youth teams from various parts of the world to compete for the inaugural trophy, an endeavor championed by the 38-year-old in Miami.
Since his much-publicized arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has already made a profound impact. He has not only elevated the competitive standard within Major League Soccer but, as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has also become a prominent and influential figure in Miami, dedicating himself to the further development of football within the city and beyond.
Looking ahead, Messi is widely expected to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If he does, it would mark his sixth appearance at the prestigious tournament, an incredible milestone in his illustrious career with the Argentine national team. Most recently, the 38-year-old was also included in Argentina’s 24-man squad for a friendly match against Angola, which was scheduled for November 14 in Miami.
