Following Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat, Lionel Messi is taking a mandatory rest period before making his return to Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to another historic World Cup final in 2026, taking his tally up to a remarkable eight goals and four assists across seven games.
Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time, and to make matters worse for Messi, Kylian Mbappe surpassed him as the World Cup’s top goalscorer of all-time. Allbeit, it was in a dead rubber game against England.
Even without Lionel Messi following his World Cup run, Inter Miami kept their momentum rolling with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire. A brace from Luis Suarez and an 87th-minute winner by academy product Preston Plambeck secured Miami’s fifth straight win, spoiling Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut.
When Lionel Messi will return to Major League Soccer
Due to Argentina’s demanding run to the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi was granted an extended rest period by Inter Miami.
Adhering to FIFA and FIFPRO recovery guidelines, the 39-year-old returned home to Rosario to recharge, skipping upcoming MLS fixtures and the All-Star Game.
In an update from ESPN, Lionel Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the ongoing MLS season.
If Lionel Messi returns following the MLS All-Star Game on July 29, his first potential appearance back in an Inter Miami shirt would be their home MLS match against the Columbus Crew on August 1.
Should Inter Miami ease him back in following his mandatory post-World Cup recovery period, he could instead make his return for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup fixture against Atlético de San Luis on August 5.
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