Lionel Messi has become the focal point InterMiami‘The club’s ambitious project, with the club’s front office pushing for multiple signings in an effort to not only replicate but exceed the success of the 2025 season. However, the Argentinian icon has reportedly suffered a setback in those plans one of the club’s recent top goals, Giovani Lo Celsohas made an important decision about his future with the 2026 World Cup in mind.
The past few weeks have been Speculation had arisen around a possible transfer for Lo Celso, who has seen inconsistent playing time at Real Betis. The midfielder’s close relationship with Messi and compatriot Rodrigo De Paul only fueled rumors of a possible move to Inter Miami, which seemed like a logical fit both on and off the pitch.
This is what the Argentinian journalist Juan Manuel Viera says DSports Radio, Lo Celso has decided to stay at Real Betis. InterMiami And Rosario Centralthe club where he developed as a youth player, were the two teams that showed the greatest interest, but the midfielder ultimately chose to stay in Spain, at least until the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Betis is not open to a loan, meaning any transfer would require a permanent deal for a significant fee. That position effectively ruled out Rosario Central, which already manages a substantial wage commitment with Ángel Di María on the roster.
Giovani Lo Celso of Betis celebrates his goal against Deportivo Alaves.
A move to Inter Miami remained attractive due to the possibility of reuniting with Messi and De Paul. However, with the MLS season still almost two months away Lo Celso is gradually claiming a more prominent role at Betisthe urgency to take action has decreased.
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During the 2025-2026 season Lo Celso played in 23 games in all competitions for Betis, recording 1,394 minutes (averaging about 60 minutes per game), while contributing three goals And two assists. He started each of the last two games against Elche and Real Oviedo (scoring in a 1-1 draw) and also played 45 minutes against Real Madrid, a clear sign that his role is increasing as 2026 approaches.
Lo Celso and the 2026 World Cup dream
The Argentina national team has already started preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with head coach Lionel Scaloni and Messi holding talks earlier this month. As the core of the roster takes shape, several players continue to compete for roster spots, increasing the pressure on those fighting for consistent minutes at club level.
When asked about Thiago Almada’s situation at Atlético Madrid, where he struggled for playing time despite being a regular under Scaloni, the coach gave a clear message to the entire player pool: “We shouldn’t interfere, and we never have. Once they make a decision, we will evaluate the football side of it. Performance will ultimately be the deciding factor, not the league or the team they play for.”
According to reports in Argentina, Scaloni also spoke directly to Lo Celso and emphasized that as long as he maintains continuity and earns regular minutes, his World Cup The chances remain intact no matter where he plays. The midfielder, despite being part of Argentina’s Copa America victories, missed the 2022 World Cup due to a late injury, making 2026 a potential chance for long-awaited redemption.
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