Lionel Messi erased Juan Sebastian Veron 'doubts' with Club World Cup displays for Inter Miami as 38-year-old Argentina star backed to find 'different way' to deliver at 2026 World Cup

Messi helped guide Inter Miami out of the group phase at the Club World Cup but the MLS side were no match for European champions PSG, who knocked them out in the last 16 after an emphatic 4-0 win. Messi said afterwards he had "expected" to be beaten by PSG but felt his team had left a "good impression" with their performances.

Inter Miami's defeat has prompted speculation about Messi's future at the club ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, Inter Miami are said to be confident he will renew his contract and remain in MLS. Veron has now shared his verdict on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's chances of making next year's global tournament, backing him to adapt his game after celebrating his 38th birthday during the Club World Cup.

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He told TyC Sports: "I saw him well, I had my doubts, and I really saw him well. Afterwards, it's clear that you find yourself like PSG, who have a different rhythm, and they find it very difficult. It's a logical question within a competition in which you come across different football realities."

Veron was also asked about Messi's chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup with Argentina and replied: "That will depend on him. It's clear that he might find it more difficult against opponents and teams with different paces, but these are issues that a player like Messi can resolve in a different way, and better, and above all, well."

Inter Miami and Messi are due back in action on July 5 against Montreal in MLS. Messi has scored ten goals and laid on five assists in 13 MLS appearances so far this season.