Lionel Messi’s first MLS goal came on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls in his first league match. Messi started on the bench, entering in the 60th minute and taking just 29 minutes to find the back of the net, scoring the final 2-0 goal in the 89th minute of play.

Messi scored his first official goal for Inter Miami on July 21, 2023, in a Leagues Cup fixture against Cruz Azul. In that historic debut, the Argentine star came off the bench in the 54th minute and needed just 40 minutes on the pitch to score a spectacular free-kick winner in the 90+4th minute, giving the team a 2-1 victory.

Lewandowski’s first goal with the Chicago Fire

In the 20th minute of the first half, the Chicago Fire reacted quickly to level the score momentarily. Following a headed assist from Philip Zinckernagel, Robert Lewandowski controlled the ball outside the box and unleashed a precise right-footed low shot directly inside the opponent’s left post.

The Polish striker’s goal marked his first official strike in American competition, shifting the dynamics of the match played in Chicago. He is already starting to make his presence felt, setting up what could be an exciting scoring race against Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez, who also started the season on fire.

Lewandowski’s brace

In the 23rd minute of the second half, the Chicago Fire turned the score around through a team move that finished in the back of the net. After receiving a precise assist from Robin Lod, Lewandowski connected with a low right-footed shot from the center of the box, placing the ball next to the opponent’s left post. That gave Chicago the 2-1 win over Charlotte.

For Lionel Messi, his first brace in an Inter Miami jersey occurred on July 25, 2023, during a 4-0 victory against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup group stage. In just his second match with the club and his first start, La Pulga needed only 22 minutes to score two goals.

Having been given time off following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi also missed the 2026 MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX. However, the wait to see him back on the field appears to be nearing its end.

Inter Miami cannot afford to drop points if they want to remain the top contender in the Eastern Conference. Nashville SC currently sit at the top of the table, holding the advantage on goal difference, but Daniel Hoyos’ side is right behind them.

Messi’s importance to Inter Miami

Lionel Messi continues to make a monumental impact for Inter Miami this season, tallying an impressive 12 goals and 7 assists through 18 matchdays. Serving as the focal point of Miami’s attack, his playmaking brilliance and clinical finishing have consistently driven the team’s offensive rhythm and kept them competing at the top of the standings.

Inter Miami added quality

There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is the main star of this team, but the Herons have added even more quality to their squad recently. Casemiro, who praised Messi by saying that playing alongside him was a dream, has already made his Inter Miami debut against CF Montreal, showcasing his wealth of experience.

What’s next for the Herons?

Looking ahead, and with the goal of finally taking the top spot in the Eastern Conference, these are the upcoming matches Inter Miami have ahead of them.

• vs Columbus Crew, August 1
• at Nashville SC, August 15
• at Philadelphia, August 19
• vs Toronto, August 22
• vs CF Montreal, August 29

In his introduction, Casemiro praised Messi, making it clear that he was never able to stop him during their past encounters. “I dreamed every day about playing alongside him,” Casemiro said.

“I know it is impossible to stop him. I have never managed to stop him; I always needed help from my teammates to stop him because it is impossible, and in the two training sessions I have had with him, that same feeling is already conveyed—that it is impossible to stop him. So, I am very happy to now be with him, and I want to keep winning with him.”

Casemiro arrives after four seasons with Manchester United, where he recorded 26 goals, 14 assists, and 11,882 minutes across 160 matches. Along with his impressive career track record, he brings proven composure in top-level competitions, including his time in the Champions League with Real Madrid.

Messi’s influence on Casemiro’s decision

Despite winning only one title with Manchester United (the 2024 FA Cup), the midfielder attracted interest from both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Miami. Messi proved fundamental in his final choice.

“Every player imagines playing with the greatest of all time, so for me, without a doubt, I am living a dream playing with one of the greatest of all time,” Casemiro stated. “So, I want to enjoy it, I want to help him keep winning because he is a winner.”

“So, another player who wants to win and compete comes together. In the end, winning and losing are always very close, we know, but we want to compete and, of course, I am here because of him and to help him,” Casemiro confessed regarding Messi before making the revelation that surprised almost everyone.

The first title Casemiro can win with Lionel Messi

On September 16, 2026, with the time to be confirmed, Inter Miami will play against Cruz Azul at Nu Stadium. That match will mark Casemiro’s first opportunity to win a title with Messi, as the teams will be competing for the Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup.

According to Diario Ole, the former referee, who recently announced his retirement from soccer, preferred not to reveal details about his exchange with Messi. “My chat with Messi? I will leave that conversation on the pitch,” Vincic said. “But I can say that he behaved in a sportsmanlike manner.”

The final produced several images that continued to generate discussion after the match, including the exchange between Messi and Vincic. That is why the official spoke out to clarify that nothing contentious occurred.

The high intensity of a final

Vincic knew the magnitude of the encounter and understood the work required to manage the match correctly. Beyond the minor criticism, it was a relatively fluid game. While there were a few altercations, most were driven by Argentina‘s desperation, and Vincic managed them well.

“The responsibility is massive when your entire refereeing career comes down to a single match,” Vincic said. “I knew most of the job would consist of managing the game: when to stop it and when to let the action continue.”

“It is the World Cup final. The mindset and the reactions of the players are different, and given the importance of the match, you have to understand everything. The biggest challenge is managing everything correctly during the game.”

Recognition through a lack of controversy

For the Slovenian official, one of the main indicators that his strategy worked was that the refereeing did not become the central topic after the match. Vincic believed his team found the right approach to control the game and praised the work of his assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, whom he described as a second family after sharing numerous tournaments, training sessions, and camps.

“We were not a topic of conversation after the match, which shows we did our job well overall,” Slavko Vincic said. “I believe our refereeing strategy was the right one.“

After returning to regular league action, Messi did not play against CF Montreal or the Chicago Fire, with Inter Miami winning both matches. His teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, will also miss the All-Star Game.

MLS released a statement regarding the decision to grant the players additional rest: “Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player’s exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline.”

The statement also clarified the status of the two Argentine players for the event. “Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.”

All-Star Game replacements

Messi and De Paul will not be the only notable absentees for the match, as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, for instance, has also been granted permission to miss the event. Hugo Cuypers was also selected but is ultimately not playing after leaving Chicago for Monterrey.

The four players called up as replacements are Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Andres Cubas, Houston Dynamo’s Guilherme Biro, and Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel.

Several stars set to shine in the All-Star Game

The highly anticipated match between the MLS and Liga MX All-Stars will feature several prominent figures from the world of soccer, with many of the league’s current stars taking the field. Among them, players of the caliber of Son Heung-Min, Thomas Müller, and Tim Ream are just some of the names that will be part of the event.

When and where will the All-Star Game take place?

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game between the MLS All-Stars and the Liga MX All-Stars takes place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. The match will be hosted at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Argentina were leading 2-1 with only a few minutes remaining in the first period of extra time. That was when Lopes Cabral unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from the corner of the box, and despite Emiliano Martinez’s effort, the ball found its way into the top corner.

“The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go’,” he revealed. “I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well.

“When I looked up and saw it heading for that top corner, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my team-mates – everyone was screaming, hands on their heads, overjoyed.”

Cape Verde’s great World Cup

Against all odds, this team managed to win the hearts of many fans of the sport. Cape Verde entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the weakest sides, but they not only advanced to the next round, they also put up a fight against one of the giants of world soccer, Argentina.

A goalless draw against Spain and Saudi Arabia, along with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, were their three group-stage results, which allowed them to advance to the Round of 32. There, in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, they fell 3-2 to Argentina, bringing their journey to an heroic end.

The award that could have gone to Messi

Lionel Messi once again enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, finishing as Argentina’s leading scorer with eight goals. One of them came against Algeria’s Luca Zidane in La Albiceleste‘s opening match, when he unleashed a powerful shot that the goalkeeper was unable to keep out.

While many believe the No. 10’s career with the national team could be coming to an end, Lionel Messi is reportedly not expected to announce his international retirement yet, meaning fans could continue enjoying his goals in Argentina’s colors.

The list comes from The New York Times and writer Liam Twomey, who rolled out various rankings throughout the World Cup. Messi held onto the top spot from the semifinals onward, with Twomey calling him one of the most individually impactful players in the entire tournament.

Mbappé surprisingly takes second place despite France missing the final and dropping the third-place match to Bellingham’s England, who claimed fourth in the Times rankings.

The top 10 World Cup players by The New York Times

Messi is the lone Argentine to make the top 10 in Twomey’s 50-player list. Spain and France dominate the upper tier, combining for six of the top 10 spots. It proves that even on a roster without heavy top-end representation, Messi still stands completely in a league of his own.

1. Lionel Messi
2. Kylian Mbappé
3. Rodri
4. Jude Bellingham
5. Pau Cubarsí
6. Aymeric Laporte
7. Erling Haaland
8. Harry Kane
9. Michael Olise
10. Ousmane Dembélé

Players didn’t make the list on goal-scoring alone; overall contribution mattered just as much. Olise, for instance, earned his spot after dishing out seven assists during the tournament. And as Twomey noted, even though players like Dembélé had inexplicable off-games, like his poor performance against Spain, their complete body of work was enough to keep them among the elite.

Spain’s presence in the top tier is particularly impressive. They landed three players in the top 10, including Laporte, who was outstanding in defense, and Cubarsí, who ranked surprisingly high. Meanwhile, Rodri remained a mainstay near the top throughout the tournament thanks to his consistently dominant play.

Why do rankings like this matter to a player’s career?

Much like the FIFA Power Rankings released after the final, lists from prestigious outlets like The New York Times carry real weight. They keep a player’s profile high, maintain momentum in their career, and put them squarely on the radar of top clubs looking to offer lucrative new deals.

Messi and Rodrigo De Paul won’t be available for Inter Miami’s next two league matches and are also likely to skip the 2026 MLS All-Star Game as they complete their post-tournament rest period.

Messi has enjoyed another productive MLS campaign, registering 12 goals and eight assists in 14 appearances. His absence leaves Inter Miami without its leading scorer as the club looks to continue its strong run in the Eastern Conference.

Why is Lionel Messi unavailable today?

Messi’s absence isn’t related to an injury or disciplinary issue. Instead, it stems from the recovery period granted to players following major international tournaments.

Current agreements between FIFA and FIFPRO reportedly provide players with a minimum 21-day rest period after competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, allowing them time to recover before returning to club duties.

What does Messi’s absence mean for Inter Miami?

Without Messi, Inter Miami will once again rely on the rest of their attacking group to maintain its momentum in the Eastern Conference. The Herons have remained among the conference’s top teams this season and continue to chase first place. While Messi’s creativity and goal-scoring ability are difficult to replace, the club will look to stay on track until its captain is available to return.

Paredes spoke to the press and said a concerning statement about Messi. “I believe Messi had made the decision that the World Cup final would be his last match for the national team. I hope not. I hope he can keep playing. Whatever makes him happy will make us happy too.”

But that wasn’t the only concerning news. Paredes says Messi is not the only one thinking about it. “Many of us will have to think about whether to continue with the national team or not. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level and keep the group functioning the way it has. We need to make those decisions calmly.”

Messi led one of the most successful stints in Argentina’s history

Messi was the undoubted star of this generation for Argentina, but players like Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, ‘Dibu‘ Martinez, Nico Otamendi and many more were at the forefront of a golden age for the Albiceleste. All of them are north of 30 and could see their international careers as complete. After all, they won:

• 2x Copa America
• 1x Finalissima
• 1x World Cup
• 1x World Cup runners-up.

The future still can be bright for Argentina

While many legends could say goodbye, Argentina has four years to polish the new generation into a World Cup contender, and there are some key players that can shape the new generation. Also, players like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister will transition into veteran roles but still remain.

Argentina should focus on the following players as the new core of the national team:

• Nico Paz – 21 years old – Attacking Midfielder
• Franco Mastantuono – 18 years old – Right Winger
• Valentin Barco – 22 years old – Midfielder
• Santiago Beltran – 21 years old – Goalkeeper
• Julio Soler – 21 years old – Left back
• Ezequiel Fernandez – 24 years old – Midfielder
• Tomas Aranda – 19 years old – Midfielder
• Maximo Perrone – 23 years old – Defensive Midfielder

On his personal social media accounts, Otamendi wrote a farewell message announcing his retirement from the national team after losing the 2026 World Cup final. “Today I have to write the most difficult words of my entire career,” he posted on Instagram alongside a video featuring his best moments with the Albiceleste. “I dreamed from a very young age of wearing the shirt of the Argentine national team, and it was the greatest privilege soccer gave me. I defended it with my soul, with pride, and with the responsibility of knowing what it means to millions of Argentines.”

He added: “Destiny wanted my last match to be a World Cup final. It was not the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high knowing that this group tried until the very last second. I say goodbye with the peace of mind of having left everything out there. I never held back a drop of effort, I never stopped believing, and I never stopped feeling this shirt as the greatest honor of my life.”

A message for the next generation

Otamendi occupied a very special and key role for Argentina, serving as one of the most experienced veterans on the team. He leaves behind lessons on how to play in high-pressure environments, bringing the experience of one of the best center backs in the country’s history.

The defender, who developed at Velez, left a message for those who continue with the squad: “I want to tell you something from the heart: never stop believing. There will be blows that seem impossible to overcome, but this shirt always rewards those who defend it with humility, sacrifice, and love. Hold your head high, keep fighting, and do not allow a defeat to rob you of hope. I am convinced that the next chapter of our history will belong to you.”

He also addressed the supporters directly: “Thank you to the Argentine fans. Thank you for the unconditional love, for every flag, for every song, for being with us in the good moments and, above all, in the most difficult ones. You made it so that every time the anthem played, we felt that we were not eleven players, but millions defending the same dream.”

Finally, after expressing gratitude to his family for being a “refuge in every fall and my strength in every challenge,” he concluded: “I say goodbye to the Argentine national team with immense pride for having represented my country. Because titles remain in history, but the love for these colors lasts a lifetime. Thank you, Argentina. Thank you for letting me fulfill the dream of being a world champion and wearing the most beautiful shirt in the world. Farewell, national team.”

Only Messi remains

From the old guard, following farewells such as Otamendi’s or Angel Di Maria’s—which took place after the 2022 World Cup—it could be said that among the core group that battled from 2014 until now, only Lionel Messi remains. Messi’s future remains uncertain, although speculation and rumors suggest he could still play in key matches.

According to Argentine national team insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, Messi is not expected to announce his international retirement just yet. Reports suggest that Argentina‘s federation is planning a proper home-field tribute match during upcoming fixtures to give the captain a hero’s sendoff on home soil before any official transition occurs.

Despite coming up short in the final, Messi earned a spot on FIFA’s shortlist for the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament for his long-range strike against Algeria, offering a silver lining of individual recognition after Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s MVP.

Next up for Argentina is determining whether Messi will remain on the roster for upcoming international windows as the squad begins laying the groundwork ahead of the 2028 Copa America.

Messi’s legendary career legacy with Argentina

Beyond restoring national glory with the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, Messi demonstrated his timeless brilliance by shattering multiple records during the 2026 World Cup, a standard of consistency few players in history have ever matched.

Here is a breakdown of his career numbers and impact with La Albiceleste:

Overall stats

• Appearances (Caps): 207
• Goals: 125
• Assists: 65
• Hat-Tricks: 11
• Minutes Played: 17,112′
• Goals Per Game: 0.60

Stats by competition

• FIFA World Cup: 34 matches, 21 goals, 12 assists
• CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers: 72 matches, 36 goals, 15 assists
• Copa América: 39 matches, 14 goals, 18 assists
• International Friendlies: 61 matches, 54 goals, 20 assists
• CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima): 1 match, 0 goals, 2 assists

Major trophies and honors

• FIFA World Cup: Champion (2022), Runner-up (2014, 2026)
• Copa América: Champion (2021, 2024)
• CONMEBOL–UEFA Finalissima: Winner (2022)
• Olympic Gold Medal: Winner (2008 – U23)
• FIFA World Youth Championship: Champion (2005 – U20)
• Individual Tournament Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2014, 2022), Copa América Best Player (2015, 2021)

In the short term, Messi will take a mandatory 15-day break following his World Cup run before rejoining Inter Miami, where the recent high-profile signing of Casemiro has reshaped the club’s midfield dynamic for the remainder of the MLS season.