The reason is that in the early match of the 14th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the South American region on April 26, the Bolivian team could not beat Uruguay (0-0 draw). Therefore, the Argentine team with 28 points after 13 matches is 14 points ahead of Bolivia, currently ranked 7th (Intercontinental play-off), while there are only 4 rounds left. Thereby, Messi and his teammates will soon get tickets to the 2026 World Cup to have a chance to defend the championship.

In the South American region, with 10 competing teams, there are a total of 6 official spots for the 2026 World Cup for the top 6 teams in the group, and the 7th spot for the Intercontinental play-off.

Messi did not play in the FIFA Days in March due to injury. The 37-year-old has just returned to training with Inter Miami, preparing for matches in the MLS (USA) and the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals in late March and early April. He is also aiming to play in his 6th consecutive World Cup next year.

Argentina is the fourth team after Japan, New Zealand and Iran to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, along with the three co-host teams the United States, Mexico and Canada.

In the third qualifying round of the Asian region, in the next round in June, Uzbekistan (Group A), South Korea (Group B) and Australia (Group C) only need to win or draw one more match to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Uzbekistan unfortunately missed the opportunity to get an early ticket and become the first team to participate in the World Cup, when they drew 2-2 with Iran with a painful loss in the 83rd minute, after leading 1-0 and then 2-1.

Round 3 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia, the top 2 teams from the 3 groups will win 6 official spots to the 2026 World Cup finals. The teams ranked 3rd and 4th will enter the 4th qualifying round to compete for the remaining 2 official spots, and the Intercontinental play-off spot. The 2 teams ranked at the bottom of the group will be eliminated.

After Japan and Iran have secured their tickets early, the remaining four main spots in Asia will be decided in the last two matches in June.

Southeast Asian team Indonesia regained hope in Group C after beating Bahrain 1-0 to have 9 points after 8 matches. However, coach Kluivert and his team can only aim for 3rd or 4th place to enter the 4th qualifying round. Australia is ranked 2nd with 13 points, holding too many advantages to officially win the remaining ticket in this group.