Just over eight months remain until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina will arrive looking to defend the title they won in Qatar 2022, and having Lionel Messi and the rest of the squad’s stars available will be crucial.

The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 of next year, and these are the teams who have what it takes to reach the summit

Argentina received the news that an important teammate of Lionel Messi will miss the team’s 2026 World Cup debut.

Lionel Messi is undecided about playing in the 2026 World Cup, but says he will make a decision based on his health in the future.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero isn't concerned about Lionel Messi being fit enough to play in the 2026 World Cup.

Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono is dreaming of playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina at next year's FIFA World Cup.

Across three continents, three men have defined the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Different regions. Different pressures. Same outcome. Jordan Ayew. Lionel Messi. Erling Haaland: Three forwards, separated by style and geography,

A lot has happened between his previous and upcoming visit. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami and also won the FIFA World Cup a couple of years back. He was a 24-year-old star then and now he’s a 38-year-old legend. Messi has evolved from a great player to an iconic one and that is the man who will be coming to India after 14 years.

“This is the first time in history FIFA has used dynamic pricing for a World Cup,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer for 2026, in an interview with ESPN. “Get your tickets early […] because anything could happen.”

Lionel Messi, who was not on the Argentina roster for the Friday night friendly against Venezuela, is expected to play for Inter Miami Saturday.