News Focus
- Lionel Messi begins his sixth World Cup campaign with Argentina national football team on Tuesday evening in Kansas City
- The 38-year-old Inter Miami CF forward could approach Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals during the tournament
- American fans receive a final opportunity to watch the Argentina captain compete internationally on home soil
- The defending champions open their campaign with the advantage of Messi’s familiarity with MLS stadiums and travel conditions
- Messi enters the tournament free from pressure, having already secured his legacy with the 2022 World Cup victory
Few moments in Major League Soccer history match the drama of that evening in 2023. Lionel Messi, then aged 36, stood 30 yards from goal, ready to take a free kick just days after his stunning arrival in the United States. Inter Miami desperately needed a miracle during the closing stages of his debut match.
With one swing of his left boot, the Argentine delivered a masterpiece. His match-winning strike curled past the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal reminded everyone of the genius that had already established him as arguably the greatest player ever. Supporters in the stadium watched with open mouths, unable to believe what they had witnessed.
For many present that night, simply seeing Messi in an MLS shirt felt more unreal than the goal itself. By 2023, the World Cup winner was already a familiar face on American television screens. Fans had previously only seen him in person during occasional summer friendly matches. Now, in the final years of his career, he had rejected other offers to finish his playing days in the US.
The past two-and-a-half seasons have brought mixed but largely positive results. Messi helped Miami win their first league championship and established the club as MLS leaders. However, something unexpected also occurred.
When he first joined Miami, Messi had just lifted the 2022 World Cup trophy. He had suggested that tournament would be his last. Before now, the only significant moment of his international career that Americans saw firsthand was his brief retirement after the 2016 Copa América Centenario, when he cried during a press conference following final defeat.
Of course, he returned to the national team and won the 2024 Copa América on American soil. He enjoyed life in Miami both on and off the pitch. Gradually, the possibility of a sixth World Cup appearance became reality. American supporters now have an unexpected chance to witness his international farewell in person.
Messi follows legends like Pelé, who played in the US during the 1970s, and David Beckham, who arrived thirty years later. Unlike those icons, Messi came solely to play football rather than promote the sport. He has certainly grown his business interests here, but his brand was already global. His presence feels more like a gift to American fans than a marketing project.
Few experts rank Argentina as favourites for this summer’s tournament. Many place Spain, France and England ahead of them. Messi currently has 13 World Cup goals, three behind Miroslav Klose’s record of 16. He might also earn his 200th cap for his country during the competition.
The idea of watching Messi lift another World Cup trophy appeals strongly to neutrals. His legacy needs no further proof. Another title would simply add to his legend rather than define it.
He appears ready for the challenge, partly because his MLS experience means he knows many stadiums well. He is also used to travelling long distances between matches, a common feature of the American league. The forward seems relaxed, telling journalists last week that he is “savouring every moment” of this final chapter with Argentina.
American football supporters are equally eager to enjoy every second of his North American farewell. Messi is effectively in extra time now. Winning the tournament would merely confirm his status as the best. He plays without the burden of expectation that followed him as a young talent or as a star seeking his first World Cup.
This freedom could help his performance, though great players often thrive under pressure. We will see his response starting on Tuesday evening in Kansas City, as his American adventure continues.