From MLS to World Cup: Could Messi Sweep 7 Titles by 2026?
Source: Antara/Xinhua/Xu
The 2026 season could be one of the most defining years in the final phase of Lionel Messi's career. With Inter Miami and the Argentina National Team, La Pulga enters the competition calendar with the chance to win up to seven different trophies at the domestic, regional, and international levels.
As the defending MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami kicks off the new season by facing Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 local time, or Sunday at 09:30 WIB. This match marks the first step for Messi and his teammates in defending the United States and Canada League title.
Here are seven trophies that could potentially add to Messi's collection of titles throughout 2026:
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1. MLS Cup 2026
The MLS Cup is Inter Miami's main target this season. In last season's final, they won 3-1 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In that match, Messi faced Thomas Müller from the opposing side.
Defending the title is never easy. However, with a stable squad foundation and championship experience, Inter Miami starts the season as favorites.
2. MLS Supporters' Shield
This trophy is awarded to the club with the highest points in the MLS regular season. Inter Miami won it in 2024, but the 2025 title went to the Philadelphia Union.
The new season gives Messi the opportunity to lead Inter Miami back into contention for the top spot in the regular-season Standings. If consistent from the start, the Shield could complement domestic dominance.
3. CONCACAF Champions Cup
In this regional tournament equivalent to the Champions League, Inter Miami will compete starting from the Round of 16 in March. The club has never won it, with progress improving from the Quarter-finals in 2024 to the semi-finals in 2025.
Last season, their journey was halted by Vancouver Whitecaps with a 1-5 aggregate. This tournament is a major opportunity for Messi to expand his footprint at the North and Central American club level.
4. Leagues Cup
Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023 after a penalty shootout victory over Nashville SC. In the following two seasons, Inter Miami's journey stopped at the Round of 16 and the final.
This competition, featuring clubs from MLS and Liga MX (Mexico), presents another chance for Messi to win a trophy this year. The cross-league format always brings different dynamics.
5. Campeones Cup
The Campeones Cup is a single-match tournament pitting the defending MLS champion against the Liga MX champion. In the latest edition, Inter Miami is scheduled to face Toluca at Miami Freedom Park, although the match date has not been announced.
In a single-game format, the margin for error is very slim—but it also opens a quick opportunity to add a trophy.
At the international level, Messi has the chance to play in the Finalissima 2026. Argentina, as Copa America champions, will face Spain, the European Championship winners.
The match is scheduled at Lusail Stadium on March 27th, 2026. Messi lifted this trophy in 2022 when Argentina won 3-0 against Italy at Wembley.
The pinnacle of it all is, of course, the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America. Argentina arrives as defending champions and is placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
The final is scheduled to take place in New Jersey on July 19th, 2026. If he remains part of the Argentina squad, Messi has the chance to defend the most prestigious title in World Football.
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