Messi Drops Bombshell Prediction That Could Shake the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi forecasted that the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America will reach unprecedented heights, as he aims to defend the championship Argentina secured in Qatar during the previous tournament.
This tournament will likely mark Messi's final World Cup appearance in a distinguished career spanning over two decades. His debut on the international stage occurred back in 2006, making 2026 his record-setting sixth World Cup participation—Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to match this milestone with Portugal.
For the first time in World Cup history, the tournament will be hosted across three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—making it the largest edition yet with 48 participating teams. The United States, particularly, has developed a passionate soccer culture that didn't exist when the World Cup was last held there in 1994.
"My expectations are extremely high that this World Cup will be something truly remarkable," Messi stated during his recent appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami.
Argentina stands among numerous title contenders, though Spain, France, England, and Brazil are currently viewed as stronger favorites with seven months remaining. Should La Albiceleste triumph once more, Messi and several teammates would enter an exclusive group of two-time World Cup winners.
Argentine soccer legend Daniel Passarella remains the only player from Argentina on that distinguished list, being the sole member from the 1978 squad who also participated in their 1986 victory. Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) are the only nations to have achieved consecutive World Cup victories.
"Winning the World Cup gave me the same emotions as when my children were born," Messi reflected warmly about 2022, when Argentina defeated France in an epic final. "It's an indescribable sensation, so profound and overwhelming that no words can truly capture it."
Key to the City of Miami
Following his speech, Messi received a meaningful honor from Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and mayor Francis Suarez: the key to the city.
"I want to acknowledge our Inter Miami captain, our number 10. This represents a modest token from this city, which has won all our hearts," Mas declared. "This welcome extends not just to you but also to your wife Antonela and your wonderful family, ensuring you always feel at home here."
Messi responded by expressing how "privileged" and "deeply thankful" he felt for such acknowledgment of his community influence, achieved in a remarkably brief timeframe.
He then discussed the challenges of relocating his family and entire life from Barcelona to Paris when he joined PSG in 2021. Despite the difficulty of leaving his home of two decades since age 13, adapting to the French capital wasn't the main issue.
Never give Lionel Messi this much space. pic.twitter.com/mpWqnjTeFY
"Honestly, we adapted well, including the children in their routines, just like my wife," Messi shared. "However, as I've mentioned before, I wasn't content regarding football and everyday life. I wasn't finding joy for various reasons, partially because everything felt foreign and vastly different from my comfort zone."
Messi declined the optional third year of his PSG deal, and choosing Inter Miami to experience Major League Soccer represented a "family choice."
Suggesting that joining PSG wasn't his preferred option—Barcelona's financial troubles, not personal preference, had compelled his departure from Camp Nou—he expressed enthusiastically: "Being able to choose your destination and having that freedom makes everything significantly smoother.
"Upon arriving in Miami, the experience was phenomenal. Living in this city for the first time has been amazing. Plus, the reception from everyone since the beginning has been wonderful. That first day was incredible, and today serves as another demonstration of the warmth I continue to experience."