Argentina have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul playing key roles in the victory.
The defending champions have once again shown their quality on the biggest stage, advancing through the group phase with their star players delivering when it mattered most.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, continued his remarkable World Cup record by contributing to Argentina’s progress at the 2026 tournament.
De Paul, the tireless Atletico Madrid midfielder, has been a crucial presence in Argentina’s engine room, providing the energy and creativity that allows Messi to operate freely in attack.
The partnership between Messi and De Paul has been one of the most effective combinations in international football over recent years, and that connection has been evident once again in 2026.
Argentina arrived at this World Cup as the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in Qatar back in 2022, and they have carried that winning mentality into the current tournament.
The South American giants have navigated the group stage with the kind of experience and composure that only a squad of their calibre can consistently produce on football’s grandest occasion.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has built a settled and determined squad around his captain, and the results continue to reflect the strength of that tactical approach throughout the competition.
Inter Miami’s connection to this World Cup story is naturally significant, given that Messi has been one of the club’s most high-profile players during his time in Major League Soccer.
The Round of 16 now awaits Argentina, and with Messi and De Paul both in form, the reigning champions will be among the most feared sides remaining in the draw.
Supporters from across the globe, including the passionate Inter Miami fanbase, will be watching closely as Argentina push for back-to-back World Cup glory in 2026.
