Benfica defender Nicolás Otamendi has said he doesn't expect Argentina teammate Lionel Messi to miss the 2026 World Cup. Messi was the most valuable player at the last World Cup but has yet to confirm if he intends to play in next year's tournament.

A day before his 38th birthday, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami into the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. They'll face Paris Saint-Germain, his old team.

Among the stars competing in the FIFA Club World Cup are Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembélé, Weston McKennie and Denzel Dumfries, all of whom are expected to star for their countries at the 2026 World Cup.