Lionel Messi has an even more special reason to play 2026 World Cup after Inter Miami MLS Cup triumph

I n reality, Inter Miami winning its first MLS Cup in just its fifth season as an MLS franchise is a very impressive feat. While many different factors played into the club lifting its first MLS trophy on Saturday, Lionel Messi 's arrival was the true turning point.

The Argentinian legend came into a side that had struggled mightily in its first three and a half seasons. Along with help from friends Luis Suarez , Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets , Messi has helped Miami capture multiple trophies in just two and a half years. Saturday's win over the Vancouver Whitecaps was the true culmination, ahead of the team moving to Miami Freedom Park in 2026.

Lionel Messi's 50th career trophy could be the 2026 FIFA World Cup... if everything goes according to plan

2026 being a World Cup year has the potential to make it a truly special one for Messi. Although he hasn't officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming tournament, everyone expects him to be there. Following Miami's MLS Cup triumph, Messi will surely want to be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the thought of potentially winning title No. 50 at the tournament .

Messi's MLS Cup win gives him 48 trophies earned in his career to this point. A potential " Finalissima " match between Argentina and Spain , which has been rumored to be happening in March but is yet to be confirmed, could see Messi capture trophy No. 49 .

The next opportunity for a title would then be the World Cup, where Messi could make it his 50th title if he helps Argentina earn a fourth star, which would also be Messi's second . It's a script that even Hollywood writers wouldn't come up with. But there's a lot left to happen before that possibility arises.