Lionel Messi is set to play two international friendlies against Argentina as part of his team’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the aim of setting the tone for their World Cup title defense after victory in Qatar.
The opponents will be Honduras and Iceland, but it will be the first match that could mark a new milestone in Messi’s legendary career. One thing is for sure: Texas Stadium is expected to be packed.
Largest stadium where Lionel Messi played (over 80,000 capacity)
Kyle Field (USA): This is the largest stadium where Lionel Messi played, with a capacity of over 100,000 people. Maracan (Brazil): One of the most iconic venues of Messi’s career, including the 2014 World Cup and 2021 Copa Amrica. Lusail Stadium (Qatar): Holds 88,966 fans for the 2022 World Cup final. Wembley Stadium (England): Host of the 2011 Champions League Final and 2022 Finalissima. MetLife Stadium (USA): Messi’s regular venue in America, including Copa Amrica Centenario matches. Salt Lake Stadium (India): One of the largest crowds of his career at the 2011 Argentina friendly. Camp Nou (Spain): The long-time home of FC Barcelona and regularly hosts matches. The number of spectators was 100,000.
The June 6 game against Honduras at Kyle Field will be the second international soccer game in Texas A&M Stadium’s history. The first was a 2024 match between Mexico and Brazil that drew more than 85,000 spectators. If the game sells out as expected, it could be the largest attendance in soccer history for that part of the United States.
Argentina will complete its World Cup preparations on June 9th when they face Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The stadium is another large college football venue slated to host one of the biggest stars in world soccer.
