League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi leads Argentina to World Cup final amid MLS spotlight

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 3:35 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Lionel Messi leads Argentina to World Cup final amid MLS spotlight

Summary

Lionel Messi has propelled Argentina into the World Cup final against Spain following a 2-1 comeback against England in the semifinals on July 16, 2026. The 39-year-old forward, who plays for Inter Miami, has eight goals and four assists in the tournament. His impressive performance has highlighted his success in Major League Soccer, where he recorded 12 goals and eight assists in 14 matches prior to the World Cup. With Messi’s contributions, MLS is gaining international attention as a competitive league capable of nurturing top talent. Should Argentina defeat Spain, Messi would return to Inter Miami as a two-time world champion.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Messi scored two assists in the semifinal match against England.
•He has eight goals and four assists in the ongoing World Cup.
•Messi reached the final following Inter Miami's MLS Cup victory in December 2025.
•Antoine Griezmann and Robert Lewandowski have joined MLS this season.
•Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final after defeating England.

Latest Updates

3:35 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi’s World Cup Heroics Put MLS in the Global Spotlight

What they're saying

"
The most convincing reason for following Major League Soccer after the World Cup is currently wearing Argentina’s No. 10 shirt.Lionel Messi entered the 2026 World Cup as a player for Inter Miami, a newer team in a downtrodden American league compared to the legendary ranks in Europe.And he has spent the tournament proving that the […] The post Lionel Messi’s World Cup Heroics Put MLS in the Global Spotlight appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Inter Miami Orlando City Barcelona Real Madrid Atletico Madrid MLS Soccer