Messi Resumes Inter Miami Training After World Cup

Messi returns as Lionel Messi resumed training with Inter Miami after Argentina’s World Cup campaign ended with defeat in the final.

The Argentine captain returned to the training ground on Wednesday, 10 days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the World Cup final earlier this month. Inter Miami shared a video on social media showing Messi walking onto the pitch alongside teammate Luis Suarez, signalling his return to the squad.

The two-time reigning MLS MVP missed Miami’s first two matches following the World Cup break against Chicago and Montreal. Even without their star player, Inter Miami won both fixtures to extend their winning run to six consecutive matches.

Messi also decided to skip Wednesday night’s MLS vs Liga MX All-Star Game in Charlotte. Instead, he spent time with his father, Jorge Messi, after the family revealed during the World Cup that he is receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

The 39-year-old completed his record sixth World Cup campaign with eight goals and four assists. He came within one victory of leading Argentina to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles. Messi also became the first player to break Miroslav Klose’s career World Cup goals record by scoring his 17th tournament goal during Argentina’s second match. However, Kylian Mbappe ended the competition with 22 World Cup goals, one ahead of Messi’s 21.

Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference with an 11-2-4 record and 37 points, two behind Nashville SC. The club has not confirmed whether Messi returns for Saturday’s home clash against the Columbus Crew, but his return to training has boosted hopes that Messi returns to competitive action soon. Fans will now wait to see if Messi returns this weekend.

Will Lionel Messi be fit enough to make his comeback against Columbus Crew?