Of the 62 players from clubs competing in Leagues Cup 2026 who began the FIFA World Cup, only two remain. Leagues Cup tickets are currently available and fans are encouraged to visit leaguescup.com/tickets or their local club websites for details.Â
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, teammates at Inter Miami CF and two of the central figures in Argentina’s 2022 championship run, are the final Leagues Cup representatives still competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
The Inter Miami duo have an opportunity to add to the history they began writing together four years ago in Qatar. With two more victories, Argentina would become the first country to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1958 and 1962.
Messi remains at the center of Argentina’s title defense
At 39 years old and competing in a record sixth World Cup, Messi continues to redefine what is possible on the international stage.
The Inter Miami captain enters the semifinals tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé for the tournament lead with eight goals, placing him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. Messi began the competition with a hat trick against Algeria and scored twice against Austria before adding another goal against Jordan during the group stage.
His eighth goal arrived during Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16. With the defending champions trailing 2-0 late in the match, Messi scored the equalizer as Argentina produced three goals in the closing minutes to avoid elimination.
Messi did not score in the quarterfinal against Switzerland, but he still shaped the result. His corner kick set up Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal, giving him his second assist of the tournament.
The numbers tell only part of the story.
Whether scoring, creating chances, drawing multiple defenders or controlling the rhythm of Argentina’s attack, Messi remains the focal point of a team attempting to defend the title it won in 2022.
For Inter Miami supporters, it is another reminder of the player who delivered the club’s first trophy by winning Leagues Cup in 2023—and who will soon return seeking another deep run in the competition.
De Paul powers Argentina’s as their midfield engine
While Messi has supplied the defining goals and historic moments, De Paul has continued doing the work that allows Argentina’s attacking players to thrive.
The Inter Miami midfielder has appeared in all six of Argentina’s matches and accumulated more than 600 minutes during the team’s run to the semifinals. He has been one of Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted players, providing energy, pressure, ball recoveries and constant involvement in Argentina’s buildup play.
His influence is best understood through his activity across the field.
De Paul regularly ranks among Argentina’s most involved players in touches and passes, receiving the ball from the back line, advancing possession through midfield and helping the defending champions establish control. He also covers space behind Messi, presses opposing midfielders and provides the defensive balance necessary for Argentina’s creative players to operate with greater freedom. FIFA described him as an indispensable part of Scaloni’s team following his performance in the opening victory over Algeria.
De Paul’s role rarely produces the same headlines as Messi’s goals, but his importance has never been in doubt.
He was one of Argentina’s key performers during the 2022 championship run, starting every match and playing all 120 minutes of the final against France. Four years later, he continues to serve as the team’s connector, enforcer and emotional heartbeat.
The final Leagues Cup connection
The World Cup began with 62 Leagues Cup representatives spread across 19 national teams.
Now the list has been reduced to two players, one club and one country.
Soon, the stars who represented their countries across North America will return to their MLS and Liga MX clubs. International teammates will become club rivals, and the attention of the region will shift toward the competition beginning August 4.
Messi and De Paul are the last men standing for now.
Leagues Cup and tickets are currently available. Fans are encouraged to visit **leaguescup.com/tickets** or their local club websites for ticket details. For general information, visit LeaguesCup.com and follow @LeaguesCup on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube; @LeaguesCup on TikTok and subscribe to our channel on WhatsApp.
