Messi returns to Inter Miami training after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final run
Lionel Messi has resumed training with Inter Miami following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final run. The club has not yet determined when he will be reintroduced into competitive matches.
Messi was seen back at Inter Miami's training facility for the first time since the World Cup final, marking the end of his immediate post-tournament absence. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirmed Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are available for selection against Columbus Crew. The coaching staff, however, has not committed to a playing plan for either player as the club navigates a busy fixture list.
The session provided a first opportunity for Inter Miami's medical and coaching teams to assess Messi after the long international campaign. His presence in training does not automatically translate to a spot in the starting lineup, a point the club has emphasized while monitoring player fitness. Observers at the ground noted that the team continues to balance recovery needs with preparation for upcoming matches.
Guillermo Hoyos addressed the media regarding the squad's composition ahead of the match with Columbus Crew, confirming the availability of both Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. He reiterated that selection decisions are being made carefully given recent exertions by those who featured at the World Cup. The coach’s approach reflects a wider effort within the club to manage minutes across a congested schedule.
Inter Miami's roster management now centers on workload control as the season progresses and fixtures accumulate. That consideration appears to be guiding whether high-profile returnees like Messi are used immediately or given additional time to recover. The club has indicated it will continue to weigh those factors before naming a matchday squad.
Questions about whether Messi will play against Columbus Crew remain unanswered at this point, with the team keeping options open. Inter Miami has not announced a timeline for his resumption of competitive minutes and is treating the decision as a matter of player welfare and tactical planning.
