INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 30: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 questions being called for a delay of game against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game on April 30, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 30 Preseason Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260434
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 30: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 questions being called for a delay of game against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game on April 30, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 30 Preseason Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260434
Caitlin Clark spends her days breaking scoring records and reshaping the WNBA record book, but this weekend her attention shifted entirely to a different sport, one played thousands of miles from Indianapolis.
"I'm cheering for Argentina," Clark said. "I want Messi, so I'll be cheering hard."
Clark's pick lines up with the numbers. Messi will be entering the final having scored eight goals and four assists in seven games, thus maintaining his strong contention for the Golden Boot trophy, while the Argentine offense has managed an impressive tally of 19 goals en route to the NY-NJ Stadium.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 11: Lionel Messi of Argentina leads his teammates in a moment of silence for South African player Jayden Adams prior to the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111653835170
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 11: Lionel Messi of Argentina leads his teammates in a moment of silence for South African player Jayden Adams prior to the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111653835170
Clark stated in a quote graphic before the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina is aiming at a feat that has never been achieved by any other men's national side since Brazil's victories in 1958 and 1962.
This team has been relying heavily on its toughness amid a difficult period of the knockout stage.
Spain isn't just making up the numbers on the other side. Lamine Yamal, only 19 and playing in his first World Cup, has helped a young Spanish side outscore opponents 13-1 since an opening group-stage draw, including a 2-0 semifinal win over France that showed a defense that has conceded just once all tournament.
Clark's night in the spotlight for soccer came just days after she reminded everyone why she's the one making headlines on the hardwood.
When Will Caitlin Clark Return to the Court Next?
The Indiana Fever have won seven of their last ten games and sit atop the WNBA's Eastern Conference at 16-10, and fans want to know when they'll get another look at Clark leading the charge.
She's still working under a minute restriction from Indiana's medical staff, a precaution that appears tied to the approaching All-Star break. This has not stopped her in any way. On July 17, Clark poured in a league and franchise record of 45 points and 10 assists.
She followed that with appearing in her first-ever back-to-back games since her rookie year in 2024, where she scored 17 points in a 20-point win on July 18.
Over that stretch, she's averaging 20.7 points, 7.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 42.8% from the field and 33.3% from three.
Indiana keeps the momentum going with a home matchup against Connecticut on July 22, followed by road trips to Seattle on July 28 and Portland on July 31, giving fans plenty of chances to watch Clark's hot streak continue.
Comment down if you're locking in for Clark's return or already picked your World Cup winner.
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Written by
Utsav Gupta
Edited by
Utsav Gupta