
Ten Players to Watch as the 2026 World Cup Looms
From Messi's final chapter to the breakout talents eyeing glory, the 2026 World Cup promises unforgettable storylines
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lionel Messi across Soccer, Football.

From Messi's final chapter to the breakout talents eyeing glory, the 2026 World Cup promises unforgettable storylines

Clark and Dan Hunt share memories of their father Lamar Hunt, the sports tycoon who helped found professional soccer in the United States, and discuss the significance of Arrowhead Stadium as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

An overview of the star‑studded line‑up set to define the 2026 World Cup, from veteran legends to emerging talents.

A wave of high‑profile advertisements featuring Timothée Chalamet, Lionel Messi, Tom Brady and a host of other celebrities underscores the growing intersection of sports, entertainment and marketing ahead of the tournament.

From early European trips to the roar of Arrowhead Stadium, the Hunt family’s soccer legacy comes full circle as the 2026 World Cup lands in Kansas City and Dallas.

A May 20 clinic at Impact Leadership Academy, relocated indoors due to rain, united nearly 400 students with professional coaching, local partners and global soccer icons, highlighting a multi‑stakeholder push to expand youth soccer access in Houston.

A deep dive into the clash between analytics and the spontaneous joy of soccer, featuring pioneers like Luke Bornn, Sarah Rudd and José Mourinho.
The U.S. men's national team must navigate a tougher bracket and historic droughts against European powers to advance, a feat that could ignite a new era for the sport at home.
A hamstring issue threatens Lionel Messi's 2026 World Cup participation, while Haiti readies for its first appearance in 52 years amid a protest that shook Inter Miami's recent victory.

Less than three weeks before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi left Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union with a left hamstring issue. Medical tests confirmed fatigue, and his comeback will hinge on recovery, while coach Lionel Scaloni has retained him in a 55‑player provisional list.

Lionel Messi's recent muscle fatigue diagnosis comes as Inter Miami prepares for a crucial MLS win, casting a shadow over his World Cup preparations.

Lionel Messi left a recent match early due to left hamstring fatigue, and while the injury's severity remains uncertain, Argentina's World Cup squad is still pending announcement.

Lionel Messi is dealing with a left hamstring overload less than three weeks before the World Cup, casting doubt on his availability for Argentina's title defence.
Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s recent fixture early due to a hamstring twinge, and the club is now focusing on his recovery as he prepares for a sixth World Cup appearance.

As the 2026 World Cup draws near, Miami Gardens will witness historic matches featuring Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, while the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, food scene and fan zones promise an unforgettable experience.

Lionel Messi left Inter Miami's match against the Philadelphia Union with a potential thigh injury, prompting early World Cup worries for Argentina.

A late substitution in MLS has raised questions about Lionel Messi's fitness just weeks before the World Cup begins.

With the league pausing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after fifteen matchdays, Nashville SC sits atop the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami dazzles with a six‑goal outburst and several key players announcing future moves.

A minor hamstring complaint forced Lionel Messi out of a MLS match, but coaches and medical staff assure fans that the star will be ready for Argentina's World Cup campaign.

Tom Holland was spotted supporting Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF in Miami, where his non‑alcoholic Bero brand made a cameo, while Zendaya shared adoption news and hints about their growing family.

A high-scoring MLS match saw Lionel Messi leave early due to a potential injury, with Inter Miami securing a 6-4 win that ties the league's second-highest scoring game record.

Lionel Messi was forced off in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's 6‑4 win over Philadelphia Union, prompting worries about his availability for Argentina's World Cup group stage.

A record‑breaking first half gave way to a dramatic second‑half comeback, with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul sealing a 6‑4 victory for Inter Miami over the Philadelphia Union.

A high‑scoring affair saw Miami overcome an early onslaught to secure a dramatic victory, highlighting both offensive firepower and defensive vulnerabilities.