Ryan Porteous Talks About Playing Big Football Stars and His World Cup Dream

Football player Ryan Porteous, who plays for Los Angeles FC and Scotland, has talked about his career. He played against famous players like Lionel Messi and with Heung-Min Son. Porteous hopes to play in the next World Cup in 2026. Lionel Messi is also thinking about playing in the 2026 World Cup, but he needs to see if he is fit enough.
By Newsroom | Football, World Cup |

Facing Football Icons and World Cup Dreams

Ryan Porteous, a defender for Los Angeles FC and the Scotland national team, has shared insights into his career, including facing global football superstar Lionel Messi and playing alongside Heung-Min Son in Major League Soccer (MLS). Porteous, who previously played for Hibernian and Watford, moved to MLS last year. His focus is now on securing a place in the upcoming World Cup, a long-held ambition.

Porteous on playing with Son, facing Messi & his World Cup dream - 1

Road to the World Cup: From Red Cards to Redemption

Porteous's international career has faced challenges, notably a red card in a match against Germany at Euro 2024. Since that incident, he has featured only once for Scotland. Despite this setback, Porteous remains committed to his goal of representing his country at the highest level. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match scheduled for June 11 in Mexico City and the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

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Porteous on playing with Son, facing Messi & his World Cup dream - 2

The Lure of the World Stage: Messi's Uncertain Return

Lionel Messi, the celebrated Argentine forward and Inter Miami star, has expressed a strong desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup. Having led Argentina to victory in 2022, Messi yearns to defend the title. However, at 38 years old, his decision hinges on his physical condition and ability to contribute effectively to the team. Messi stated he will assess his fitness on a "day-to-day basis" during preseason with Inter Miami to determine if he can be "100%" and "useful" to his national team. This would mark his sixth World Cup appearance, a potential historic achievement.

Porteous on playing with Son, facing Messi & his World Cup dream - 3

Examining Porteous's MLS Journey and International Hopes

Porteous's move to MLS has placed him in proximity to some of football's biggest names. His candid reflections suggest a dedication to overcoming past obstacles and a clear aspiration for international success. The defender's journey, marked by both highs and lows, underscores the persistent pursuit of dreams within professional football.

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Porteous on playing with Son, facing Messi & his World Cup dream - 4

Playing with Stars and Facing Legends

Porteous has spoken about the unique experience of playing in MLS. While not explicitly detailed in the provided summaries, the context of playing alongside top talent like Heung-Min Son implies a high level of competition and learning. The opportunity to face players like Lionel Messi in the same league offers significant personal and professional growth.

The Weight of Expectations and Future Decisions

Messi's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup is a topic of global interest. His son, Thiago, has reportedly shown keen interest, with Messi himself admitting his family's presence would be a factor. The uncertainty surrounding his final decision highlights the physical demands and the desire not to be a "burden" to his team. This mirrors Porteous's own drive to prove his worth and overcome past disciplinary issues.

Expert Perspectives and Key Takeaways

The pursuit of World Cup glory remains a potent motivator for players at all stages of their careers. For Porteous, it represents a chance for redemption and to solidify his place in the national team. For Messi, it's a potential swansong, a chance to conclude his illustrious World Cup journey on his own terms. The differing timelines of the articles (published over a year apart) reflect the ongoing nature of these discussions and player developments.

Conclusion: Ambition Amidst Challenges

Ryan Porteous's narrative is one of ambition and perseverance, aiming for the pinnacle of international football despite recent setbacks. Lionel Messi's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup, while uncertain, adds significant allure to the tournament, dependent on his physical readiness. Both players, through their individual journeys, embody the intense dedication and personal evaluation inherent in professional football at the highest echelons. The coming months will be critical for both in solidifying their roles and achieving their World Cup aspirations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What big football stars has Ryan Porteous played with or against?
Ryan Porteous has played against Lionel Messi and with Heung-Min Son in the MLS league. He also plays for the Scotland national team.
Q: What is Ryan Porteous's main goal?
Ryan Porteous wants to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for his country, Scotland. He is working hard to achieve this.
Q: Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi wants to play in the 2026 World Cup. He will decide based on his health and if he can play well for his team.
Q: Where will the 2026 World Cup be held?
The 2026 World Cup will be in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.