Lionel Messi Returns To Inter Miami Training

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami, 10 days after Argentina finished as runners-up at the FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final earlier this month.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) club shared a video on social media showing Messi stepping onto the training pitch alongside teammate Luis Suarez. His return comes after missing Inter Miami’s first two matches following the World Cup break.

Despite his absence, Inter Miami maintained its impressive form by defeating Chicago and Montreal, extending its winning streak to six matches. The club now hopes Lionel Messi will soon be available as it continues its push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Messi also decided not to take part in Wednesday’s MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game in Charlotte. Instead, he spent time with his father, Jorge Messi, after the family revealed during the World Cup that he is battling an undisclosed illness.

The Argentina captain completed his sixth and record-breaking FIFA World Cup campaign with eight goals and four assists. He came within one victory of leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

During the tournament, Lionel Messi became the first player to surpass Miroslav Klose’s record for career World Cup goals by scoring his 17th goal in Argentina’s second match. However, Kylian Mbappe finished the competition with 22 World Cup goals, one more than Messi’s 21.

Inter Miami currently holds an 11-2-4 record with 37 points, leaving the club two points behind Nashville SC at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. It remains unclear whether Lionel Messi will make his competitive return in Saturday’s home match against the Columbus Crew.

Do you think Inter Miami should ease Messi back into action or start him immediately if he is fit?