Lionel Messi has returned to training with the Argentina national team after being released to play with Inter Miami in their MLS match against Atlanta United on Saturday.
The Argentine star, called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for the matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, did not participate in the 1-0 victory over Venezuela 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 received permission from his country to play in the penultimate regular season match of Inter Miami’s MLS season, as the team seeks to secure a better position in the Eastern Conference to gain home-field advantage in the postseason.Lionel Messi ha vuelto a entrenar con Argentina.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, in what was the team’s last match at Chase Stadium. The team 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.
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“The match will serve as part of the preparation for the upcoming commitments and will allow the coaching staff to refine details,” Argentina communicated in a statement.
“Leo’s return generates great expectation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.”
