Global Icon Messi Back on the Pitch: Returns to Miami Training After World Cup Break
Lionel Messi has returned to Inter Miami training just ten days after Argentina's World Cup final loss, reuniting with teammate Luis Suarez. The football legend expressed immense pain from the defeat and his national team future remains uncertain. Despite his quick return to club duties, Messi and Rodrigo De Paul were notably exempted from the MLS All-Star Game.
Football icon Lionel Messi has officially returned to training with his United States club side, Inter Miami, a mere ten days after experiencing a crushing defeat in the World Cup final with Argentina. The superstar forward was seen rejoining his club, stepping onto the training field alongside his teammate Luis Suarez, in a video shared on social media by the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, as reported by Supersport.
Messi's return follows Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, which took place on July 19 in New Jersey. In the immediate aftermath of the tournament, Messi had taken time to recuperate with his family in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The emotional toll of the defeat was palpable, with the Argentine captain expressing his deep sorrow on social media the day after the game, stating, “The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal.”
At 39 years old, Messi had been striving to achieve historic back-to-back World Cup titles with Argentina, a feat that narrowly eluded him. His future with the national team remains unclarified, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his potential continued involvement.
During Messi’s brief post-World Cup absence, Inter Miami's coach and his long-time friend, Guillermo Hoyos, had emphasized the need for rest for both Messi and his club and international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul. Hoyos, also from Argentina, had stated, “They need the time. A World Cup is a massive undertaking, there is physical and mental exhaustion. They deserve the space,” indicating that there was no set return date initially.
Both Messi and De Paul were granted permission by MLS to skip Wednesday’s highly anticipated All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina. This exemption is particularly noteworthy given that participation is typically mandatory, with exceptions usually reserved for injury. Messi himself has a history of not appearing in the game, having received a one-match ban for his absence last year. However, this year, their short turnaround from demanding World Cup duties provided sufficient grounds for their clearance.
While Messi has rejoined training, the exact date for his competitive return to the pitch has yet to be announced. Inter Miami is scheduled to host Columbus Crew this Saturday. Following that, they are set to kick off their campaign in the Leagues Cup, a joint competition featuring MLS and Mexican teams, next Wednesday against San Luis.