The supporters of football all over the world are looking forward to Lionel Messi returning to the field of play in 2026 with Inter Miami and Argentina having a year of big games. Following an unprecedented 2025 season in the Major league soccer, the calendar of Messi in the new year has several possibilities where fans can see the seven-time Ballon d or winner play.
Messi capped 2025 being the most dominant player in the history of MLS. He won two consecutive league MVPs, won the Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals, as well as the Inter Miami a maiden MLS Cup champion. The 48 assisted goals that he made in the regular season and strong showing in the playoff games made him an important figure, even in the late parts of his career.
The first possible instances of the Argentine star are the preseason Champions Tour in South America during Inter Miami. Tour starts on January 24 against Alianza Lima in Peru and then travels to Colombia to play against Atletico Nacional on January 31. Guayaquil on February 7 will be the last destination and Miami will play Barcelona SC of Ecuador. Both the opponents are the most successful clubs of the respective countries and they are bound to have competitive matches despite the fact that they are friends.
Although not officially announced by the Inter Miami regarding the attendance of Messi in all the preseason games, there are still high hopes that he will play at least during some section of the tour, provided he is fit.
Messi is expected to begin his competitive season on February 22, when Inter Miami play Los Angeles FC their season opener in the MLS. Should he be chosen, it would be the first competitive game of 2026 and a big event in the league schedule of Messi.
Further into the future, Messi may also feature in a few international matches with Argentina, and this may also include some of the major world matches which still bring him to a greater height in the international arena. To supporters, 2026 would be a year of enjoying a football icon play at his or her best.
