Messi celebrates with the MLS Cup at Chase Stadium, Florida, US on 7/12. *Photo: AFP*
"This year I feel very good physically and have been fortunate to play many matches," Messi stated on 7/12 after Inter Miami won the MLS Cup. In the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Argentine forward contributed two assists, earning him the man of the match award. He is also widely expected to receive the MLS 2025 Player of the Season title in the coming days.
Following an injury-ridden year, 2025 marked an impressive comeback for Messi, demonstrating his peak form even at 38 years old. Both individually and collectively, the recently concluded season in the US was a highly successful one for the Rosario, Argentina-born player.
He led Miami to the Eastern Conference title, won the MLS Cup, was named the final MVP, and secured the MLS Golden Boot with 35 goals. He also became the assist leader, providing 23 assists across the regular season and playoffs. Furthermore, Messi topped the league with 101 successful dribbles and created 36 scoring opportunities.
In total, across all club competitions in 2025, including the Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, Messi made 49 appearances, scoring 43 goals and providing 25 assists. These statistics are comparable to his peak seasons playing for Barcelona in Europe. Expanding to the national team level, the Miami captain played 54 matches, scoring 46 goals and recording 26 assists.
The football season never stops, and 2026 promises to be a challenging year for Messi, who recently extended his contract with Miami for three years, until 2028. His upcoming schedule and objectives include defending the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, and specifically, conquering the Concacaf Champions Cup, a title still missing from his collection in the US. Messi will begin his pre-season in 1/2026 after spending the Christmas holiday with his family in Rosario. For Miami, 2026 also marks a turning point as the club's new Freedom Park stadium is set to open in 3/2026.
However, Messi's greatest challenge is none other than the 2026 World Cup. The planet's biggest football event will kick off on 11/6/2026, with Argentina scheduled to play Algeria on 16/6 in Kansas, US.
Spanish newspaper Marca commented: "Although Messi has not yet confirmed his participation in his sixth career World Cup, his Argentina teammates and close associates consider it a certainty, unless an unforeseen serious injury occurs."
In football, nothing is certain. However, at 38 years old and turning 39 by late June next year, Messi is demonstrating full readiness for another World Cup appearance. If he can maintain his physical condition and performance levels from 2025, it will provide Argentina with a strong foundation to continue placing their hopes on their biggest star in their quest to defend the World Cup title.
