SerpApi.Org
Lionel Messi saw his 2026 FIFA World Cup run come to an end with a crushing 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on Sunday in New Jersey.
Argentina was aiming for a World Cup repeat, but a Spain goal late in extra time was the difference-maker. Still, Messi had an incredible performance at the World Cup. He finished with eight goals, including a hat trick in the opener against Algeria.
Messi didn’t score a goal in the final three matches, but he assisted on both goals in a thrilling comeback win over England in the semifinals.
Following the loss in the finals, Messi’s wife had a message for her husband on social media to show her support.
“You will always be the best,” Antonela Roccuzzo wrote in Spanish.
It was a remarkable run for Argentina once again, and questions remain about whether or not this was the last time Messi would play in the World Cup.
For now, Messi will go back to playing for Inter Miami FC in the MLS. However, according to a report from ESPN, Messi will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game as part of a 21-day rest period following the World Cup.
The MLS All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Last year, Messi voluntarily skipped the game and was hit with a one-game suspension from the league.
The MLS season resumes on Wednesday, but Messi, along with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, will miss the next two games and the All-Star Game as they recover from the grueling World Cup run.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyas, who is from Argentina, is supportive of the two players taking some time to rest.
“What they need now is resting with their loved ones,” Hoyas said. “They will be there for as long as necessary.”
As the MLS season resumes, Inter Miami has a 9-4-2 record with 31 points, good for second in the East Conference behind Nashville SC.
Inter Miami will face the Chicago Fire and CF Montreal before the MLS All-Star Game, and the next match after that comes against the Columbus Crew on August 1 in what could be Lionel Messi’s return.
