When Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in December 2022, the moment belonged to an entire country as much as it did to the players on the pitch.

Lionel Messi isn't saying if he plans to play in the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old star led Argentina to the top of the standings of South America’s World Cup qualifiers, but he hasn't confirmed if he'll help his country defend its 2022 title. The World Cup draw is on Friday.

Here is Messi and Argentina’s route to the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina certainly avoided some of the trickiest opposition during the group stage draw. They were unable to lock horns with any fellow CONMEBOL nations, but also managed to steer clear of troublemakers such as Croatia, Norway, Morocco and Japan.

From tickets to travel and accommodations, here’s everything you need to know to follow Messi and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi took part in a special event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi as part of his third day of the GOAT India tour. Messi will now be staying in India for another night and will travel to another state.

Mumbai marked the third and most relaxed stop of the tour. Messi spent nearly an hour at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, drawing loud cheers from a packed crowd. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with his signed India jersey and pointed to the No. 10 on the back, a number shared by both sporting greats.

Lionel Messi concluded his India tour at Vantara, Jamnagar. Watch the GOAT perform aarti with Anant Ambani, play with elephant calves, and meet a lion cub named 'Lionel.'

Football legend Lionel Messi concluded his GOAT India Tour 2025 in Jamnagar after visiting Vantara, following stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The tour featured celebrity matches, fan interactions,

After Lionel Messi's comments on the clash, Argentina star Emiliano Dibu Martinez set the record straight on playing the Finalissima against Spain a few months before the beginning of the 2026 World Cup.