lionel messi Archives - Soccer America

Argentina eye World Cup double ahead of Group J opener

by Rob WoollardMay 29, 2026May 29, 2026

Holders Argentina arrive at the World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title. Only two teams – Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962 – have won back-to-back World Cup crowns, underscoring the difficulty of the task facing Lionel Messi […]

Soccer America Daily

Messi to captain Argentina at the World Cup

by Agence France PresseMay 28, 2026May 28, 2026

Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the World Cup, national coach Lionel Scaloni announced Thursday as he unveiled his 26-man squad. Messi, 38, had not previously confirmed he would play in what will be a record-breaking sixth tournament for the Argentine superstar. But it had been widely assumed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would again […]

Soccer America Daily

Argentina coach Scaloni encouraged by news on Messi injury

by Agence France PresseMay 27, 2026May 27, 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the initial news regarding superstar Lionel Messi’s fitness “is not that bad” and hopes further examinations will confirm that diagnosis with the World Cup just a fortnight away. Messi has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by his Major League Soccer club Inter Miami after he made […]

Soccer America Daily

Messi diagnosed with left hamstring fatigue, return plan uncertain

by Jim SlaterMay 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Lionel Messi remained at the heart of an injury scare only weeks before the World Cup after medical tests diagnosed him with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, Inter Miami announced on Monday. The Major League Soccer club’s update provided no clear timetable for the Argentine superstar’s return after his abrupt exit from Miami’s 6-4 victory […]

Soccer America Daily

‘Tired’ Messi exits MLS game in injury scare ahead of World Cup

by Rob WoollardMay 25, 2026May 25, 2026

Lionel Messi was at the center of an injury scare just weeks before the start of the World Cup on Sunday after abruptly exiting Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against the Philadelphia Union. Argentina superstar Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute at a rain-soaked Nu Stadium in Miami after clutching the back of […]

Soccer America Daily

Messi shines as Inter Miami finally win at new stadium

by Agence France PresseMay 18, 2026May 18, 2026

Lionel Messi’s goal and dazzling assist finally earned Inter Miami a first win at their new stadium Sunday, beating the Portland Timbers 2-0. The 38-year-old Argentine icon confounded the Timbers’ defence all night long in a timely reminder of the danger he still poses at the World Cup, which kicks off in less than a […]

Soccer America Daily

In-form Messi hits brace as Miami win 5-3 at Cincinnati in MLS

by Agence France PresseMay 14, 2026May 14, 2026

Lionel Messi scored twice and had a hand in two others as Inter Miami fought back to beat FC Cincinnati 5-3 away in the MLS on Wednesday. With the World Cup in North America less than a month away, Argentina captain Messi is in excellent form. He has 11 goals in 12 MLS matches this […]

Soccer America Daily

Messi still highest-paid player in MLS

by Agence France PresseMay 12, 2026May 12, 2026

Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer with an annual base salary of $25 million — more than twice as much as the next-highest paid player Son Heung-min, the MLS Players Association said Tuesday. The union’s latest list of player salaries reflected the contract extension Messi signed with Inter Miami in October […]