Messi brings incredibly good news to the Argentina national team

Lionel Messi has resumed training with the Argentina squad and is expected to feature in the upcoming friendly versus Puerto Rico.

Messi rejoined his teammates at the Argentina national team ahead of their match against Puerto Rico in Miami. The 38-year-old star missed the first friendly of the camp, a 1–0 win over Venezuela, as he was still playing for Inter Miami, where he recently scored twice in the MLS.

Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi completed a full training session with his teammates preparing for the final friendly of the camp. The coaching staff will decide whether to start him or bring him on as a substitute, depending on his fitness after a demanding schedule.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also confirmed Messi’s readiness in a statement from their U.S. communications office:

“Leo has rejoined the world champion squad and will be ready for the match against Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium. It will be a special night for local fans to see La Albiceleste play at the very venue where Messi shines weekly. This game is part of the team’s preparation process and offers the coaching staff an opportunity to make necessary adjustments. Messi’s return brings great excitement and promises a memorable atmosphere for this friendly.”

Originally scheduled to take place in Chicago, the match was moved to Miami due to changes in the city’s immigration policies.

Prior to this, Messi and some Argentina teammates attended an Inter Miami MLS game. The victory helped the team, coached by Javier Mascherano, rise to third place in the Western Conference with 62 points, four behind leaders Philadelphia Union. In the 2025 season, Messi has scored 26 goals in 27 matches for Inter Miami.

Messi currently has 194 appearances and 114 goals for the national team, and he could further extend his record in the vibrant atmosphere of Miami.

Meanwhile, coach Scaloni continues to refine the squad amid the absence of some key players. Franco Mastantuono and Enzo Fernandez have been allowed to leave, while Lautaro Rivero and Jose Manuel López are confirmed to start in the upcoming match against Puerto Rico.

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