Lionel Messi made his return to Inter Miami on Wednesday, just ten days after experiencing an extra-time defeat with Argentina against Spain in the World Cup final.
Miami shared an image of Messi arriving at their training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a source confirmed to ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano that the 39-year-old trained fully on Wednesday.
Prior to this, Messi had spent the week in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, alongside his 68-year-old father, Jorge, who is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness, as revealed by the family during the World Cup.
The arrivals hit different today đź‘‹đź’— pic.twitter.com/RofdUJE2kf
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026
During the World Cup, Messi netted eight goals and provided four assists, guiding Argentina through a thrilling tournament filled with remarkable comebacks. However, his inability to come through in the final moments left him devastated and questioning his international future after the loss to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Messi had previously led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup final against France, and won consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
“The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal,” he expressed in a heartfelt Instagram post in Spanish after the final. “Yet I also hold dear all the good moments… The matches we turned around, the hard work and support from an entire country that enabled us to once again stand among the best in the world.”
Messi missed Miami’s recent matches against Chicago Fire FC and CF MontrĂ©al. It was also confirmed that he would not be participating in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday.
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It remains uncertain when Messi will resume competitive play for Inter Miami. The club is set to face Columbus Crew on Saturday before beginning their Leagues Cup campaign against Liga MX‘s AtlĂ©tico de San Luis on August 5.
Following Miami’s victory over Chicago last week, coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Messi and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul would not be rushed back into action.
“I believe, and have mentioned several times, that rest is essential,” he said. “It’s a crucial part of an individual’s development. They need this time, and we are fully committed to granting them whatever time they require. There is no fixed timeline for their return.”
“We care about them greatly and want them back only when they are genuinely ready and fully recovered. This has been a taxing stretch, with 50 days of intense pressure and World Cup matches.”
Also seen returning to Miami’s training center was forward Germán Berterame. The Mexico international had collapsed on the field after being struck by an opponent’s elbow during Saturday’s victory over Montreal. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance but was released the following day.
Miami reported that Berterame sustained injuries to his left shoulder and nose but is recovering well.