Messi ends vacation, returns to Inter Miami; national team future uncertain

Hupu Football News – July 29

According to Olé, Lionel Messi has ended his short vacation. On Tuesday evening local time, he and his family departed for the United States to report to Inter Miami.

Following a regrettable loss in the World Cup final, the 39-year-old legendary superstar, after a brief rest, will re-enter the intense competition of Major League Soccer.

Warm Send-Off and Rare Public Appearances

Before returning to Florida, Messi received a warm send-off from local fans at the airport. Since arriving in Argentina last Tuesday, he has rarely appeared in public, only attending a lower-division match last Saturday to cheer on a team owned by his family.

Although Inter Miami has not officially announced Messi's specific return date, the schedule provides clear guidance:

• On September 16, the team will face Mexico's Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final.
• Before that, Messi is highly likely to make an early appearance in MLS regular-season matches to regain his form.

Messi Breaks Silence After World Cup Final Loss

After losing to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi broke his silence on social media, expressing regret and resilience. He said:

"The pain of defeat is immense, and healing takes time, but I will always remember the beautiful moments when we gave our all to turn things around. With the support of the entire nation, this team's efforts have brought us back to the top of the world. Reaching the final twice in a row, we stood united. Thank you for your messages. I am proud to be Argentine, and I also congratulate Spain on their championship."

In this sincere statement, Messi did not hint at retiring from the national team.

Future with Argentina National Team

Regarding Messi's future with the national team, there is no consensus, but his contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028. As long as he continues to play on the pitch, there is no reason for him to refuse a national team call-up.

In this World Cup, the 39-year-old Messi remains an indispensable spiritual leader for Argentina. With Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay as joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup already securing spots, future qualifying pressure is greatly reduced. When the 2028 Copa América (potentially held in the United States) arrives, whether Messi will continue to participate remains a topic of great speculation.

AFA's Patient Approach

Regarding Messi's decision, the Argentine Football Association's top brass have adopted a gentle and patient approach. AFA President Claudio Tapia has given Messi ample time to heal and reflect. In the eyes of the Argentine FA, the national team's door will always be open for Messi. No matter how the future head coach changes, Messi's presence as captain holds irreplaceable spiritual significance for this team.

Source: Olé International Football News

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? You're not retiring? Then I won't either.

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Retire after the Copa América, old Messi.

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