ESPN Soccer reports that The sight of Lionel Messi triumphantly hoisting the World Cup trophy above his head in Qatar after Argentina's win over France in 2022 will live long in the memory of soccer fans.
For many casual observers of the sport who are preparing themselves to dip back in for the imminent 2026 World Cup, Messi's emotional trophy lift and the jubilant celebrations four years ago could well have been the last time they tuned into a soccer match.
Plenty has gone on in those intervening years, both at club and international level, with huge transfers taking place, high-profile managers being hired and fired, trophies being won and the fortunes of some big-named clubs and players meandering through dramatic peaks and troughs.
So, if you're a fan eagerly awaiting the 2026 World Cup but you're wondering what you've missed, let's catch you up.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami and won MLS title After an 18-month spell that saw Messi lead Argentina to both Copa America and World Cup glory for the first time in decades, he played out the remainder of the 2022-23 domestic season at Paris Saint-Germain before embarking on an exciting new chapter the following summer.
At 36 years old, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner departed the Ligue 1 champions for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in a move that made headlines around the world.