Weather

86°F2:13 PM

Sports

1 read

Lionel Messi's Impact on Inter Miami Ahead of 2026 World Cup

KVIA•Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM•CNN Newsource

Sports stadium representing local sports news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has transformed the team and the MLS, drawing significant global attention and increasing ticket prices. In nearly three years, Messi has played 104 matches, scoring 90 goals and providing 51 assists, showcasing some of the best statistics of his career. His contributions have led the team to win three trophies, including the MLS Cup in 2025. As he prepares for the upcoming World Cup at 39, Messi's recent performances indicate he remains a formidable player, having scored 12 goals in the current MLS season and demonstrating his commitment to compete at the highest level despite concerns about aging athletes in soccer.

Key Details: • Messi scored 90 goals and provided 51 assists in 104 matches with Inter Miami. • The team won the MLS Cup in 2025 and is currently the highest-scoring team in the league. • Messi will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, aiming to defend his title. • He has been training intensively with Rodrigo De Paul to prepare for the tournament.

world-cup soccer inter-miami messi mls

People & Organizations

MiamiLionel MessiInter MiamiMLSRodrigo De Paul

Related Articles

Ricardo Pepi Shines in First World Cup Start as U.S. Defeats Australia

El Paso native Ricardo Pepi made his first start for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team during the FIFA World Cup, contributing to a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. This match marked Pepi's second appearance in the tournament, stepping in for injured star Christian Pulisic. Both goals for the U.S. were scored in the first half, securing their advancement to the knockout stage of 32 teams. The U.S. will play Turkey next on Thursday, aiming to finish strong in group play.

USMNT Manager Pochettino Urges Fans to Rally Behind Team Ahead of Key Match

As the US Men's National Team (USMNT) prepares for their second World Cup match against Australia, manager Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes the importance of national belief in the team. Despite initial skepticism about his appointment and the team's past struggles, Pochettino has fostered a renewed sense of unity and purpose among players. The match is set for 3 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle, where a victory would secure the US's place in the Round of 32. Star player Christian Pulisic's fitness remains a concern after a minor injury, but the team is optimistic about continuing their strong performance from the first game.

Test Your Knowledge of the World Cup with This Fun Quiz

The highly anticipated World Cup is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a significant moment in sports history. To celebrate this event, CNN has created an engaging quiz designed to challenge your understanding of the tournament's history and facts. This quiz offers an opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to learn more about the world's largest sporting event. Participation is encouraged as the World Cup approaches, making it a perfect time to brush up on your knowledge.

World Cup 2026: Key Matches Scheduled for June 19th

On June 19th, the 2026 World Cup continues with four matches in Groups C and D, crucial for teams like the United States and Australia, who are vying for a spot in the knockout stage. The matches will take place at various stadiums across the U.S., including Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, and Santa Clara, with kickoff times ranging from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Saturday) in different time zones. With Mexico already securing its place in the Round of 16, these games are critical for other teams' chances to advance. Fans should tune in to support their teams as the tournament progresses.