Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training after World Cup break

Lionel Messi has returned to Inter Miami training, 10 days after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

The Argentine captain was back on the training pitch on Wednesday, with the club sharing a video on social media showing Messi alongside longtime teammate Luis Suarez as preparations began for the remainder of the MLS season.

Following Argentina’s narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey, Messi spent time recovering with his family in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

Speaking after the final, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted the disappointment would take time to overcome.

“The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal,” Messi wrote on social media following the defeat.

At 39 years old, Messi was aiming to guide Argentina to a historic second consecutive FIFA World Cup title. However, he has yet to confirm whether he will continue representing the national team following the tournament.

During Messi’s absence, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos stressed that both Messi and fellow Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul needed time to recover after the demands of the World Cup.

“A World Cup is a massive undertaking. There is both physical and mental exhaustion,” Hoyos said. “They deserve the time and space to recover.”

Both Messi and De Paul were also granted permission by Major League Soccer (MLS) to miss Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The annual showcase features the league’s top players taking on a selection of stars from Liga MX. While participation is generally mandatory unless a player is injured, the league approved exemptions for both Argentinians due to their recent World Cup commitments.

Messi has never featured in an MLS All-Star Game, having served a one-match suspension after missing last year’s event without an approved exemption.

His competitive return has not yet been officially confirmed.

Inter Miami are scheduled to host the Columbus Crew on Saturday before opening their Leagues Cup campaign next Wednesday against Atlético San Luis, where Messi is expected to make his long-awaited return to competitive action.