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Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi gestures during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cape Verde at the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 3, 2026. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)

The most convincing reason for following Major League Soccer after the World Cup is currently wearing Argentina’s No. 10 shirt.

Lionel Messi entered the 2026 World Cup as a player for Inter Miami, a newer team in a downtrodden American league compared to the legendary ranks in Europe.

And he has spent the tournament proving that the move to the United States hasn’t diminished his quality.

Still, at age 39, he controls matches at the highest level.

Argentina advanced to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain after Messi supplied two late assists in a 2-1 semifinal comeback against England.

He has eight goals and four assists in the tournament so far, leaving the Barcelona great in position to win another World Cup and the Golden Boot.

That performance gives MLS something its marketing campaigns can’t conjure up.

The biggest star of the league is far from simply vibing in retirement in Vice City, and you have to see it to believe it.

Messi Carries His MLS Form Onto the World Stage

Messi didn’t need the World Cup to rescue a fading MLS season.

He is owning MLS as well.

The Argentine reached the tournament break with 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS matches. His league-leading 20 goal contributions came after he helped Inter Miami win its first MLS Cup in December 2025.

Now in 2026, Messi went directly from playing league matches in the United States to scoring eight times during Argentina’s title defense. His two assists against England also lifted him to a record 12 career World Cup assists.

Even though one…