After an intense journey that culminated in the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final with the Argentine national team, Lionel Messi has his return to Miami’s pitch scheduled. The striker is preparing to rejoin his team, Inter Miami, with the main objective of defending the MLS title won last year.
The Inter Miami board, led by David Beckham, opted to spare Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul in the coming weeks. The decision aims to provide both with adequate physical and mental recovery after the exhausting world tournament, which had a special meaning for both athletes.
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Due to the rest period, Messi and De Paul will be absent from the matches against the Chicago Fire, scheduled for July 22nd, and the clash against Montreal, on July 25th. The players’ absence is strategic to ensure they return in top form.
In addition to the MLS games, the stars will also be left out of the MLS All-Star Game, scheduled for July 29th. This event is crucial for the visibility and international expansion of the championship, being one of the highlights of the season. The expectation is that the team will return complete at the beginning of August, under the management of Guillermo Hoyos.
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Messi’s return to Inter Miami after May
Lionel Messi has not taken to the field for Inter Miami since May 25, marking a period of inactivity before his intense participation in the World Cup. This extended break aims to ensure his full recovery before a decisive semester for the team.
At 39 years old, Messi faced the maximum demands when playing in the eight possible matches of the World Cup, a feat that generated considerable physical exhaustion. For this reason, it is expected that his participation in the first games after returning to Miami will be more limited, allowing him to recondition himself for the final stretch of the season, where David Beckham’s team has important disputes at stake.
David Beckham expresses support for Lionel Messi
The entire city of Miami showed support for their captain in the World Cup final against Spain, in New Jersey. Although the victory did not come, Inter Miami owner David Beckham shared an emotional message on his social networks, expressing his pride in the Argentine’s performance.
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“Our captain, we couldn’t be more proud,” Beckham declared to Messi after the defeat. At 39 years old, the player should not have another opportunity to star in a similar campaign in future FIFA World Cups, making this moment even more remarkable.
Main details about Messi’s return
- Lionel Messi will not be present at Inter Miami’s game against Chicago Fire on July 22.
- The Argentine star, along with Rodrigo De Paul, will also be left out of the clash against Montreal, on July 25th.
- Inter Miami expects Messi to return to the pitch in early August.