As Lionel Messi enters the twilight of his legendary career, one defining question looms: Can he still lead Argentina to glory yet again at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
While the 38-year-old continues to dazzle in MLS with Inter Miami, the competition he faces week in and week out doesn't always match the intensity or technical quality of the international stage. That's why the FIFA Club World Cup -- where Miami faced elite opponents from Europe and South America -- offered a glimpse into how Messi performs right now against elite defenders, and what it means for his role with his national team next summer.