Lionel Messi has returned to training with the Argentina national team after being released to play 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 the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Scaloni explained that he made the decision to leave Messi out of the squad.
In an unusual situation, Messi received permission from his country to participate in the penultimate regular season match of the MLS with Inter Miami, while the team fights to secure a better position in the Eastern Conference and guarantee the home advantage in the postseason.Lionel Messi regresa a los entrenamientos con Argentina. Gustavo Pagano/Getty ImagesAt the beginning of the week, Inter 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 Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory, which was the team’s last match at Chase Stadium. Inter 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, following his return to the national team.
Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments for Inter Miami
The match will serve as part of the preparation for the upcoming commitments and will allow the coaching staff to refine details.
The return of Leo generates great expectation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.
