“I’ve been very good this year. I’ve been lucky to play a lot of games,” Leo Messi said after winning the MLS Cup with two assists and being named Finals MVP, and days later being named the 2025 MLS MVP candidate.
After an injury-filled 2024, this year saw the emergence of a huge Messi on an individual level. Messi gives Argentina hope for the 2026 World Cup and the challenge of winning two consecutive World Cups (2022 and 2026).
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In 2026, Leo became MLS Champion. Eastern Conference Champion with Inter. MVP of the finals. MLS Golden Boot winner (35). MLS Top Assist Provider (regular season and playoffs), 23… He played in 34 games in this MLS 2025, scoring 35 goals, 28 assists, 63 goal contributions, most completed dribbles (101), most chances created (36)…
His numbers are even bigger going into 2025 in general, including all tournaments and national teams. The star played in 54 games and recorded 46 goals and 26 assists. With Inter Miami, he reached the last 16 of the Club World Cup and became MLS champion, winning his 47th career title. He played in five games for the Argentina national team, scoring three goals (two against Venezuela).
2026 challenges
However, the wheels of football do not stop and a big challenge will come for Leo in 2026. At that time, he will have to challenge for every title at Inter, where he has renewed his contract for three years until 2028. Another MLS, League Cup and Conca Champions are on the horizon, but these titles have yet to be won. Pre-season begins in January after the Christmas break in Rosario. 2026 is also very important for Inter, as their new stadium, Freedom Park, opens in March.
However, the Argentine’s big challenge is the 2026 World Cup, which begins on Thursday, June 11th, when Argentina will face Algeria in Kansas five days later. Leo hasn’t officially announced that he will play yet…but those around him think it’s a given that he’ll play unless he gets injured. With soccer, you never know…but Leo is gearing up for his sixth World Cup.
