Messi back with Argentina after inspiring Miami win
Lionel Messi has resumed training with the Argentina national team following his participation in Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Atalanta on Saturday, marking a rare instance of club and country coordination ahead of Argentina’s upcoming friendlies.
The 38-year-old forward was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni for the international fixtures against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. However, Messi was notably absent from the squad for Friday’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium, with Scaloni confirming the decision to rest the captain. Argentina granted Messi special permission to feature in Miami’s penultimate regular-season MLS game as the club contends for a stronger position in the Eastern Conference, aiming to secure home-field advantage in the postseason.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had earlier expressed openness to Messi playing on the weekend between Argentina’s international matches but was uncertain if the arrangement would materialize. Messi capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the opening goal in a commanding 4-0 win in what was Miami’s final game at Chase Stadium before relocating to their new venue, Miami Freedom Park, scheduled for 2026.
As an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Messi’s presence significantly bolsters Argentina’s attacking options. His return to national duty will see him likely feature again on October 14 at Chase Stadium against Puerto Rico, providing the coaching staff an opportunity to refine tactical details ahead of forthcoming competitive fixtures.
In a statement, the Argentine Football Association highlighted the strategic importance of the match as part of Argentina’s preparations and noted that Messi’s return “generates great anticipation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.”
This coordinated scheduling reflects Messi’s unique role balancing commitments between club and country, while underlining his continued influence both on the global stage and in advancing Inter Miami’s competitive ambitions in MLS.