MLS Touted to ‘Protect’ Lionel Messi for His 2026 FIFA World Cup Participation

Lionel Messi, the 8x-Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has transformed the landscape of soccer in the United States. Since he arrived at Inter Miami in the summer, the Argentine has boosted the popularity of MLS. He also elevated the league’s global status. Now it seems that MLS is willing to go above and beyond to safeguard Messi and guarantee his involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The next edition of the World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, despite Messi’s reluctance to play in the next World Cup, the MLS looks to try everything in its playbook to see the Inter Miami star in action in the World Cup.

MLS plans to ‘protect’ Lionel Messi

MLS is making waves once again. In a move that could reshape the soccer landscape, MLS has taken center stage in the pursuit of protecting Lionel Messi. They are ensuring his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA. In a soccer debate on RMC, soccer agent Bruno Satin revealed MLS’s dedication towards this ambitious plan.“They will do their best to protect him well and ensure that he can play in the World Cup in the United States. That’s what I heard,” Satin revealed.

With Lionel Messi set to be 39 years old when the tournament kicks off, it appears to be a mammoth challenge. Messi previously stated that he would not be participating in the next edition of the World Cup. According to him, the 2022 Qatar World Cup was his last. 

“The 2026 World Cup? I don’t think so. That was my last World Cup (in Qatar). I’ll see how things go, but in principle, I won’t be playing in the next World Cup,” Messi stated in June.

Soccer agent Bruno Satin continues his statement by underscoring the transformational influence Messi had on the MLS. “Everyone’s positive. They say it draws the spotlight on soccer, because, as we’ve seen, there’s a lot of competition with other sports. It’s undeniable that it brings glamor to soccer, and that it generates interest beyond soccer. Messi goes far beyond the boundaries of soccer, ” Satin shared.

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Messi focused on MLS return with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has humbly dismissed the notion of him being available in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring his commitment until the 2022 edition in Qatar. The Argentine maestro is now set to take a break and return for a pre-season with Inter Miami before heading afresh into next season, scheduled to start in February 2024. Messi’s first season with the Herons has been nothing short of magical. He led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup triumph, marking the club’s first-ever trophy.

As MLS embarks on this audacious mission to secure the Argentine’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, fans worldwide will be eager to see if this dream can turn into reality. With Messi’s presence already lighting up the soccer landscape in America, this new development promises excitement in the soccer world.

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