After falling short in the World Cup final against Spain, Lionel Messi and his midfield partner Rodrigo De Paul are turning their focus to a different kind of prize. The duo will soon line up for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, a cross‑border competition that blends MLS and Liga MX clubs. For both players, the tournament represents a chance to rewrite the narrative of a season that began with disappointment but could end with silverware.
Inter Miami has already tasted success in this competition, having captured the Leagues Cup in 2023 and reaching the championship match in 2025. This year the club is poised to contend for three separate trophies before the end of 2026, a feat that would underline its growing stature in North American soccer. The team’s campaign begins in early August, with group‑stage matches against Atlético San Luis, CF Monterrey and Club León.
A Potential Historic Double
Victory in the Leagues Cup would mark the first time a side manages to win the tournament twice, a milestone that would cement Inter Miami’s dominance across the two leagues. The final is scheduled for September 6, and the champion, along with the runner‑up and the third‑place finisher, will secure berths in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding further incentive for a decisive showdown.
For Messi, a win would extend his record‑breaking collection of trophies to 47, a tally that already eclipses any other player in history. The prospect of adding another medal to his résumé offers a silver lining to the World Cup loss and underscores the Argentine’s relentless pursuit of excellence. De Paul, too, stands to benefit from a triumph that could reinforce his role as a key architect in the team’s midfield.