Lionel Messi is on Argentina's roster for a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches later this month. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni called up 28 players Tuesday for a FIFA international window that falls between the MLS Cup Playoffs first round and the conference finals.

Messi admitted that he spent the 2024 preseason tour worried about staying fit for Copa America, which Argentina went on to win in the summer. However, he injured his ankle in the final, keeping him out for two months of Inter Miami's regular season.

The absence of Sergio Busquets showed as Miami's midfield lacked cohesion especially after Yannick Bright had to leave the match at the half with a hamstring injury. Tata Martino will now have to refocus his squad while also trying to see off an Atlanta United team that has nothing to lose.

There's plenty at stake for Lionel Messi in Game 3 of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs vs. Atlanta. Is there any reason to panic?

After a wild final day of the season that saw Los Angeles FC secure the top seed in the Western Conference and Inter Miami set the single season points record, and a wildcard round which saw Atlanta and Vancouver advance, the MLS Cup playoffs are truly underway.

Atlanta United snatched a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 playoff victory over Inter Miami on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), jolting Lionel Messi's hopes of leading the Florida club to MLS Cup glory. Portuguese winger Xande Silva blasted home a sensational winner for Atlanta in the fourth minute of stoppage time in front of 68,