Lionel Messi is on Argentina's roster for a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches later this month. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni called up 28 players Tuesday for a FIFA international window that falls between the MLS Cup Playoffs first round and the conference finals.

After a wild final day of the season that saw Los Angeles FC secure the top seed in the Western Conference and Inter Miami set the single season points record, and a wildcard round which saw Atlanta and Vancouver advance, the MLS Cup playoffs are truly underway.

Following a 2–1 victory at home, Inter Miami travels to Atlanta looking to finalize the tie and secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Gerardo "Tata" Martino's men were tested in the first game,