Messi's Struggles, Comeback Challenge, and 2026 World Cup Dreams | Inter Miami Update

Lionel Messi BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Lionel Messi has had a challenging week with Inter Miami. The Argentine star faced a significant setback on April 24th when Inter Miami lost 2-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal. Despite controlling nearly 70% of possession during the match, Messi and his teammates struggled to create effective attacking opportunities.

Just days before this defeat, Messi delivered a more positive performance against Columbus Crew on April 19th in an MLS clash. The match saw Inter Miami dominate the first half while Columbus pressed hard in the second, but Javier Mascherano's defense held firm.

Messi's 2025 statistics currently stand at 11 games played with 7 goals and 3 assists across all competitions. His goal-scoring abilities have somewhat faltered recently, with reports describing him as experiencing a "dry streak" in front of goal.

Looking ahead, Messi faces a crucial match today (April 30th) as Inter Miami hosts Vancouver Whitecaps in the return leg of their Champions Cup semifinal. The team needs to overcome the two-goal deficit to advance to the final.

In other news, Messi's teammate Luis Suarez recently revealed to Spanish newspaper El Pais that Messi desires to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. "We do talk. Jokingly, many times, but he also has that desire to play in next year's World Cup," Suarez said. This would be significant as Messi would turn 39 during the tournament.

For fans wanting to watch Messi play, all Inter Miami's MLS regular-season games stream exclusively on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass. Champions Cup matches are available on Fox Sports or FS1 in the US.

As Messi enters the final season of his current contract with Inter Miami, speculation continues about his future plans, though the team reportedly expects him to sign a new deal that would extend beyond the 2026 World Cup.

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