MIAMI: Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami training on Wednesday, July 29, after nearly 10 days off following Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Inter Miami shared an image of Messi arriving with a mate cup at the club’s training facilities in Fort Lauderdale, EFE reported.
The 39-year-old had not trained with Inter Miami since May. Major League Soccer paused its season during the World Cup, allowing Messi to join Argentina’s training camp.
POV: Morning greetings with the squad 😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/1ZAodv1BW4
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026Argentina lost 1–0 to Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Messi played in all eight of his country’s matches and recorded eight goals and four assists, according to Inter Miami.
Messi and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul then travelled to Argentina for a break. Both missed the club’s 3–2 victory over Chicago Fire and 1–0 win against CF Montréal.
Read: Di María Urges Messi to Keep Playing for Argentina
EFE said Messi could make his club return against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, August 1. Inter Miami will then begin its Leagues Cup campaign at home against Atlético de San Luis on August 5.
Messi and De Paul were selected for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game but received permission to miss Wednesday’s match in Charlotte.
MLS said the league and its players’ association had agreed to individual recovery plans for footballers returning from the World Cup. Inter Miami had not confirmed whether De Paul had resumed training.
