Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami training on July 29, marking his first practice with the team since Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 [1, 2, 3]. He spent the period after the final with family in Rosario, Argentina, and expressed the emotional toll of the defeat, saying, "The pain is immense and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal" [3].
Messi missed Inter Miami’s first two matches after the World Cup break, against Chicago and Montreal, both of which the club won, extending their winning streak to six games [1, 2]. Despite returning to training on July 29, it was unclear whether Messi would play in Inter Miami’s upcoming home match against Columbus Crew on August 1 [1, 2, 3].
He also did not participate in the MLS-Liga MX All-Star Game held on the same day in Charlotte, instead visiting his father Jorge, who is battling an undisclosed illness [1, 2, 3]. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said there was no set return date for Messi or teammate Rodrigo De Paul, noting the need for physical and mental recovery after the World Cup. "A World Cup is a massive undertaking, there is physical and mental exhaustion. They deserve the space," Hoyos said [3]. Both players had received exemptions from MLS to skip the All-Star Game due to the short turnaround following World Cup duties [3].
Messi finished the 2026 World Cup with eight goals and four assists, nearly leading Argentina to be the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 [1, 2]. During the tournament, he broke Miroslav Klose’s record for career World Cup goals by reaching 21, though Kylian Mbappe ended with 22 goals [1, 2].
Inter Miami held a strong record of 11-2-4 with 37 points, trailing Nashville SC by two points atop the Eastern Conference standings as of late July 2026 [1, 2]. The club’s schedule includes matches against Columbus Crew on August 1 and San Luis in the Leagues Cup in early August [3].
