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Messi: a 2025 full of goals... for a 2026 full of World Cup challenges
Dec 07 2025 16:17 · By JUAN CASTRO · 161 Reads
"This year I felt very good, I was lucky to play a lot of games," said Leo Messi after winning the MLS Cup with two assists, being named MVP of the finals and, in a few days, being named possible MLS MVP 2025.
After a 2024 full of injuries, this year has seen a colossal Messi at an individual level. A Messi that gives hope to Argentina for a 2026 World Cup and to try the feat of winning two consecutive World Cups (2022 and 2026).
In 2026, Leo was MLS champion; Eastern Conference champion with Inter; MVP of the finals; MLS Golden Boot winner ( 35); MLS top assist provider (regular season and playoffs), with 23... He has played 34 games in this MLS 2025, with35 goals, 28 assists,63 goal contributions, most dribbles made (101), most chances created(36)...
His numbers get bigger if we go to 2025 in general, counting all tournaments and the national team. The star played 54 games, scored 46 goals and assisted 26 times. With Inter Miami he reached the last 16 of the Club World Cup and was MLS champion to reach the 47th title of his career. With Argentina he was in five matches and scored three goals (two against Venezuela).
Challenges in 2026
But the wheel of soccer does not stop, and a huge challenge is coming for Leo in 2026, when he will have to try all the titles with Inter, with whom he has renewed for three years, until 2028. Another MLS, the Leagues Cup and the Concachampions are coming, a title he has yet to win. Preseason will begin in January after the Christmas vacations in Rosario. 2026 is also very important for Inter as in March they will open their new stadium, Freedom Park.
However, the great challenge for the Argentine will be the 2026 World Cup, which will begin on Thursday, June 11, with Argentina debuting five days later against Algeria in Kansas. Leo has not yet officially confirmed that he will play... but those around him take it for granted, unless he suffers an injury. In soccer you never know... but Leo is ready for his sixth World Cup.