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Lionel Messi will play two international friendlies with Argentina as part of the team's final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the goal of staying sharp ahead of their World Cup title defense after their triumph in Qatar.
Their opponents will be Honduras and Iceland, but it's the first match that could mark a new milestone in Messi's legendary career. One thing is certain: the Texas stadium is expected to be completely sold out.
Largest stadiums Lionel Messi has played in (80,000+ capacity)
- Kyle Field (USA): Set to become the largest stadium Lionel Messi has played in, with a capacity exceeding 100,000 fans.
- Maracanã (Brazil): One of the most iconic venues in Messi's career, including the 2014 World Cup and 2021 Copa América.
- Lusail Stadium (Qatar): Hosted 88,966 fans during the 2022 World Cup final.
- Wembley Stadium (England): Site of the 2011 Champions League final and the 2022 Finalissima.
- MetLife Stadium (USA): A regular venue for Messi in the U.S., including matches in the Copa América Centenario.
- Salt Lake Stadium (India): One of the largest crowds of his career during a 2011 Argentina friendly.
- Camp Nou (Spain): His longtime home with FC Barcelona, regularly hosting nearly 100,000 spectators.
The June 6 match against Honduras at Kyle Field will be just the second international soccer game in the history of the Texas A&M stadium. The first came in 2024, when Mexico vs Brazil drew more than 85,000 fans. If this game sells out - as expected - it could become the largest soccer attendance ever in that region of the United States.
Argentina will close its World Cup preparation on June 9 against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama - another massive college football venue set to host one of the biggest stars in global soccer.