Messi returns to MLS training 10 days after World Cup final heartbreak | Football News
Lionel Messi Returns to Inter Miami Following World Cup Final Loss
Football superstar Lionel Messi has resumed training with Inter Miami, ten days after Argentina’s World Cup campaign ended in a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final earlier this month.
The two-time defending MLS MVP missed Miami’s first two matches after the World Cup break against Chicago and Montreal. Despite his absence, the team managed to secure victories in both matches, extending its winning streak to six games.
At 39 years old, Messi opted not to participate in the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX in Charlotte on Wednesday. He took this time to visit his father, Jorge, who is reportedly battling an undisclosed illness.
Messi’s performance in the World Cup was notable; he concluded the tournament, his record sixth, with eight goals and four assists. He came close to leading Argentina to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Messi also made history by breaking Miroslav Klose’s record for the most career World Cup goals, scoring his 17th in Argentina’s second match. However, he finished the tournament just shy of French forward Kylian Mbappe, who ended with 22 goals, compared to Messi’s 21.
Inter Miami currently holds a record of 11 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws, totaling 37 points, placing them two points behind Nashville SC for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. It remains uncertain if Messi will return for Saturday’s home match against the Columbus Crew.
Speculation had arisen that Messi might retire from international competition following the World Cup, with questions also lingering about his future at the club level. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has secured eight Ballon d’Or titles, awarded to the year’s best player.
