Messi Rejoins the Argentina National Team After Special Leave
Lionel Messi has returned to training with the Argentine national team after receiving authorization to participate in Inter Miami’s MLS match against Atlanta on Saturday.
The Argentine star, called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for the matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, was not part of the team that defeated Venezuela 1-0 on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Scaloni explained that he made the decision to leave Messi out of the squad.
In an unusual situation, Messi obtained permission from his country to play in the penultimate match of Miami’s MLS regular season, as the team seeks to secure a better position in the Eastern Conference and guarantee the advantage of playing at home in the postseason.Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina.Miami coach Javier Mascherano had expressed his desire for Messi to play on Saturday between Argentina’s two friendlies, although he admitted he didn’t know if it was possible.
Messi scored the first goal in Miami’s 4-0 victory, which was the team’s last match at Chase Stadium. Miami will move to its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could play again at Chase Stadium with Argentina against Puerto Rico on October 14.
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According to a statement from the Argentine national team: “The match will serve as part of the preparation for the upcoming commitments and will allow the coaching staff to refine details.”
“Leo’s return generates great expectation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.”
