No retirement! Messi's 2026 "eight-title" plan revealed: 6 titles in Miami + 2 titles in Argentina
The 39-year-old football legend has no plans to retire! Messi's 2026 "eight-title" plan revealed: 6 titles in Miami + 2 in Argentina.
In an era where professional players are choosing to retire around the age of 35, 38-year-old Lionel Messi has not stopped.
2026 has arrived, and it's not only the year of the highly anticipated USA-Canadian-Mexican World Cup, but also the most ambitious year of Messi's career. A clear roadmap for an eight-time champion has emerged. This all-time leader, who already holds 47 (note: some statistics say 48) championship trophies, is attempting to push that number to a height that future generations can only look up to before retiring.
Inter Miami: Messi transforms into a "North American scoring machine" as he attacks on six fronts.
In 2025, Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS title. Now, in 2026, Inter Miami's ambitions have grown even larger. As the top team in MLS, they will be vying for championships in six competitions:
- MLS Cup Champions: Strive to defend the title and establish a Miami dynasty.
- MLS Supporters' Shield: Trophy awarded to the best performing team throughout the regular season.
- CONCACAF Champions League: This is the key to a higher stage, and Messi is determined to win it.
- League Cup: Messi's breakout match in his early days with the club, and this year's goal is to reclaim it.
- The U.S. Open Cup: A historic tournament that makes up for past disappointments.
- Intercontinental Cup/Club World Cup related events: As Miami's influence expands, more international trophies are beckoning.
[Argentina National Team: Two Epic Missions, Defending the Title is Eternity]
Compared to the complexities of club duties, the national team's tasks, though only two, are each incredibly weighty:
- Finalissima (European and American Super Cup): In March 2026, Argentina, as Copa America champions, will face European champions Spain. Messi vs. Yamal, this single-elimination match between two generations of La Masia talents presents Messi with his best chance to secure his 49th title.
- 2026 USA-Canadian Cup: This is the ultimate dream. If Messi can lead his team to defend their title, he will become the first player in history to captain his team to consecutive World Cup victories.
This isn't just about playing football; it's a farewell performance.
Messi's father once lamented that when Messi joined Barcelona, he didn't have as much money in his account as Messi did. But today, Messi has become a vast business empire and a football icon.
The journey to win eight titles in 2026 is more like a grand gift from Messi to fans around the world. Under the scorching sun of the US, Canada, and Mexico, the 39-year-old Messi may no longer be able to dribble past five players like he did when he was twenty, but his reading of the game and his deadly passes remain the most unstoppable weapons on the planet.
As Argentine legend Javier Zanetti said, "I have no doubt that Messi can play in the 2026 World Cup; he is a natural leader."
Dear readers, do you think Messi can win all eight trophies by 2026? Which one is the most difficult? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section, and let's witness the King of Football's final dance together!
Source: This article is based on an analytical report originally published by Sohu
