Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch in 2026 has been revealed after an Inter Miami rival released tickets for a South America tour friendly.

With just 6 months left before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA Ranking has been updated, leaving Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and the Top 10 positions unchanged.

Inter Miami look set to make radical changes to its squad, looking to improve the team's competitiveness. For this reason, the Herons have set their sights on a two-time Copa America champion Argentine midfielder ahead of January 2026.

In another example of the Lionel Messi effect, D.C. United have decided to change the venue for their clash against Inter Miami ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

After being on the verge of finalizing the deal, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami could receive a major blow as their signing of an Argentine target is reportedly being hijacked by a South American giant.

Following Sergio Busquets’ retirement, Inter Miami are searching for a marquee reinforcement in midfield. Despite having already made an offer for a South American star, he will join another team, meaning Lionel Messi loses a potential key reinforcement for the squad ahead of 2026.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo defined not only success on the pitch, but also global influence off it—shirts, posters, billboards, and endless replicas worn by fans across continents. Now, however, a new name is rewriting that order. 

With the retirement of Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami are reportedly interested in a South American midfielder to join Lionel Messi.

In an exclusive interview with World Soccer Talk, MLS co-founder and former U.S. Soccer president Alan Rothenberg spoke candidly about the growth of the league, Lionel Messi, the 2026 World Cup, and more.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer, several Argentine players—including Franco Mastantuono—are reportedly considering moves in search of more playing time to secure a place on Argentina roster alongside Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami are reportedly interested in a player who was a teammate of Lionel Messi at two FIFA World Cups with Argentina.

With Lionel Scaloni beginning to shape the final stretch toward the 2026 World Cup, one of Argentina’s most familiar faces is suddenly at a crossroads in Europe.

A FC Barcelona presidential candidate has spoken about the economic impact that the return of Lionel Messi would have on the club.

Inter Miami selected defender Abdel Talabi in the 2025 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, making him a new teammate of Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi meant everything to one era of the club, while Lamine Yamal is beginning to define a very different chapter—one rooted in reconstruction rather than supremacy.