Messi returns to Inter Miami training after World Cup final

Lionel Messi began training with Inter Miami 10 days after Argentina's extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The 39-year-old star had missed the first two MLS matches.

Scraper SystemJuly 30, 2026, 10:37 AM

Messi returns to Inter Miami training after World Cup final

Lionel Messi took part in Inter Miami training 10 days after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The MVP of the last two MLS seasons had missed the matches against Chicago and Montreal that were played after the World Cup break.

Inter Miami won both matches in Messi's absence, extending their winning streak to six games. The star footballer also missed the MLS-Liga MX All-Star Game held in Charlotte, spending the time visiting his father Jorge. The Messi family had announced during the World Cup that Jorge was battling an undisclosed illness.

Messi, who completed a record sixth World Cup, finished the tournament with 8 goals and 4 assists. Argentina came within one win of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

Messi became the first player to break Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record with his 17th goal in his second match of the tournament, but French star Kylian Mbappe finished the tournament with 22 goals, one ahead of Messi.

Inter Miami (11-2-4, 37 points) sits second in the Eastern Conference standings, two points behind Nashville SC. It is not yet known whether Messi's return to the pitch will take place in Saturday's home match against Columbus Crew.

After the World Cup, there had been speculation that Messi might end not only his international career but also his club-level football career. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has won the Ballon d'Or, awarded to the world's best player, eight times.