Lionel Messi has revealed the key criteria that will determine whether or not he lines up for defending champions Argentina at next year’s World Cup. The virtuoso forward is enjoying life in America with Inter Miami, but will turn 39 during next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and his inclusion in the Argentina squad is not guaranteed.

GOAL US writers discuss FIFPRO World 11 nominees, with plenty of obvious selections shortlisted, but some big names missing

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to defy age and expectations after being named among the 26 finalists for the 2025 Men’s FIFPRO World 11 on Monday. The Argentina and Portugal superstars have been rewarded for their efforts in 2024-25 by being included on the star-studded list alongside Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Brest boss Eric Roy has explained why rivals preferred to face the Paris Saint-Germain of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe rather than Luis Enrique’s class of 2025. The Ligue 1 giants mimicked the ‘Galactico’ recruitment model of Real Madrid at one point, as they assembled a squad of superstars, but are now considered to be more of a complete unit.

A reunion with Lionel Messi in MLS that could see Barcelona’s fabled ‘MSN’ strike force reformed at Inter Miami is one of two options available to Neymar as he mulls over his future. The Brazilian superstar is approaching the end of his current contract at Santos, with a big decision on what happens next needing to be made before 2025 comes to a close.