Messi’s Inter Miami Delay: Return to Argentina Possible
- Inter Miami is holding its breath as it assesses the fitness of Lionel Messi following a recent adductor injury.
- Coach Gerardo Mascherano acknowledged the situation in a recent press conference, stating that Messi is currently training separately from the team and did not feel fully comfortable during...
- Despite the uncertainty surrounding Messi's fitness, Inter Miami boasts a formidable squad.
Messi’s Fitness Concerns Cloud Inter Miami and Argentina Plans
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A Delicate Balance for Inter Miami and Messi
Inter Miami is holding its breath as it assesses the fitness of Lionel Messi following a recent adductor injury. The 38-year-old superstar, who scored and assisted in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy on August 17th, reportedly experienced discomfort during that match, raising concerns about a premature return to full match fitness.
Coach Gerardo Mascherano acknowledged the situation in a recent press conference, stating that Messi is currently training separately from the team and did not feel fully comfortable during his 45 minutes of play against the Galaxy. His participation in upcoming matches, including Inter Miami’s contest against UANL Tigres, will be determined by how he feels.
Squad Strength at Inter Miami
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s fitness, Inter Miami boasts a formidable squad. Veteran striker Luis Suarez, midfielders Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are all in excellent form, providing a strong supporting cast. They will face a familiar foe in Angel Correa of UANL Tigres, who also plays alongside Messi and Busquets on the Argentinian national team.
Inter Miami is also actively reshaping its roster. Goalkeeper Drake Callender has moved to Charlotte FC, and Federico Redondo has joined Elche de España. incoming players include Gonzalo Piovi from Cruz Azul and 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti from Newell’s Old Boys, bolstering the team’s defensive capabilities for the 2025 season.
International Future remains Open
Messi’s potential return to the Argentinian national team is also under consideration. He has been included in the preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 World cup qualifiers against Venezuela on September 5th and Ecuador on September 10th. The match against Venezuela is anticipated to be Messi’s final official appearance in Argentina.
While Messi remains committed to participating in the 2026 World Cup, his future beyond that remains uncertain. The tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada could be his last, though a final decision on his retirement has not been made.