Lionel Messi is poised to make his highly anticipated return to the Argentina national team after several months of rest. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is scheduled to feature in an international friendly against Puerto Rico, a match that will be hosted at Inter Miami’s home stadium in the United States.
The news of Messi’s comeback was confirmed by Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni revealed his intentions to recall the star forward following Messi’s impressive recent performances for his club, Inter Miami. In a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlanta United just last week, Messi contributed significantly by scoring two crucial goals, showcasing his enduring talent and clinical finishing ability.
Coach Scaloni, 47, expressed his admiration for Messi’s current form, highlighting the veteran player’s continued impact on the field. “I saw Messi playing very well last week, and what I know about him is that he still finishes extremely well,” Scaloni commented. He added, “At this moment, I haven’t spoken with him yet, but we will have our final training session preparing for tomorrow’s match, so I will talk to him. If his condition is good, he will be able to play tomorrow.”
The friendly encounter between Argentina and Puerto Rico is set to kick off at 7 AM on October 15th. The choice of venue, Inter Miami’s stadium in the USA, is particularly notable as it is where the 38-year-old superstar currently plies his trade.
Following coach Scaloni’s public statements, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) officially announced Messi’s inclusion in the squad, confirming the highly anticipated return of their captain. This specific arrangement for a match on American soil is understood to accommodate Messi’s unique status within the national team and his ongoing club commitments. Hosting the friendly in the United States significantly reduces the need for long-distance international travel, a critical consideration given his duties with Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This strategic decision allows Messi to maintain his focus and adaptation on the field in the USA while still contributing to his national team.
