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When Lionel Andrés Messi, captain of Argentina national football team and star forward for Inter Miami CF, stepped back onto the training pitch in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, October 13, 2025, the buzz was palpable. He had just netted two goals and added an assist in Inter Miami’s 4‑0 win over Atlanta United FC two days earlier. Coach Lionel Sebastián Scaloni said he’ll make a final call on Messi’s participation in tomorrow night’s friendly against the Puerto Rico national football team at Chase Stadium. The decision could shape Argentina’s rhythm ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Messi’s MLS surge and the Eastern Conference race
Inter Miami CF entered the Oct. 11 showdown with Atlanta United FC desperate for points. A top‑four finish guarantees a first‑round bye and the chance to host the opening two rounds of the MLS Cup Playoffs starting Oct. 25. Messi’s two‑goal, one‑assist line‑up helped the club climb to 4th place with 55 points, just a single win ahead of the cutoff. The Argentine forward, who signed a Designated Player contract last summer, has become the league’s marquee attraction, drawing sell‑out crowds at DRV PNK Stadium and boosting TV ratings by 12 %.
Argentina’s friendly against Puerto Rico – a moving target
The match was originally slated for Sunday, Oct. 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago, a 21,000‑seat venue that would have given the contest a Midwestern backdrop. However, the event promoter reshuffled the logistics on Oct. 9, pushing the game to Monday, Oct. 14 and relocating it to Chase Stadium, the 21,000‑capacity home of Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale. The switch meant the Argentine squad could train on its own turf the day before the game, a logistical perk the AFA (Argentine Football Association) welcomed. Puerto Rico’s federation, based in Guaynabo, confirmed the move would not affect player availability, but the change sparked a flurry of ticket‑exchange requests from fans who had booked Chicago seats.
Scaloni’s medical gamble
“I saw Messi play on Saturday. From what I know, he finished well,” Scaloni told reporters on Monday, Oct. 13. “I haven’t spoken to him yet. Now we have the last training session for tomorrow’s match, and as we always do before preparing for the final training, I’ll talk to him and if he’s in condition, he’ll play tomorrow.” An unnamed member of the technical staff added, “We’ll see how he feels. The most important thing is for him to stay healthy and continue building rhythm with the group.” The coaching team ordered a full physiotherapy screen, focusing on Messi’s hamstrings and lower back – the same areas that sidelined him during the 2023 Copa América.
With only three days separating the MLS fixture and the international friendly, the risk of a minor strain turning serious is real. Argentina’s sports medicine director, Dr. Marcelo Varela, highlighted that “the cumulative load of 180 minutes in four days is high for any player, let alone someone who’s turning 38 this summer.”
Why the friendly matters for La Albiceleste
Even though the Puerto Rico game is a non‑competitive friendly, it serves as a rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Argentina’s next qualifier is a showdown with Brazil at the Maracanã on Nov. 19, a fixture that could decide the South American group leader. Scaloni has used the October window to test a 4‑4‑2 diamond formation that emphasizes Messi’s free‑role play alongside Julián Álvarez and Ángel Di María. If Messi takes the field, it will be his first appearance in an Argentina jersey since the March 2024 Copa América final loss to Brazil.
Possible scenarios and fan reaction
Should Messi suit up, the odds are he’ll start and play at least 45 minutes before being subbed for a younger forward – a pattern the coach employed in the June 2024 friendly against Panama. The Argentine supporters’ group “La 10” has already organized a mosaic at the stadium entrance spelling “Leo 22”. Ticket sales for the Monday match surged by 18 % after the venue change, indicating that the prospect of seeing Messi in a national shirt still drives demand.
Conversely, a decision to sit Messi out could spark debate over the balance between short‑term spectacle and long‑term squad health. Critics argue that risking a star in a low‑stakes game could jeopardize his availability for the crucial Brazil clash, while proponents say the minutes will help restore his match sharpness after a three‑week MLS layoff.
Looking ahead – beyond the friendly
Regardless of the outcome, Messi’s return to the national team camp underscores the delicate juggling act between club commitments in MLS and international duties. The AFA has signaled willingness to negotiate future releases, but the FIFA international calendar leaves little wiggle room for players who straddle two continents. As the 2025 MLS regular season winds down and the playoffs loom, Inter Miami will likely keep Messi fresh for a deep postseason run, while Argentina will aim to lock down its core squad for the grueling South American qualifying marathon.
One thing is certain: wherever Messi steps onto the pitch, the world watches. His presence alone adds a layer of drama that transcends the scoreline, and for a nation still basking in the glow of the 2022 World Cup triumph, every minute with “the GOAT” feels like a gift.
Key Facts:
- Messi scored 2 goals, 1 assist on Oct. 11, 2025 vs. Atlanta United FC.
- Argentina’s friendly vs. Puerto Rico moved to Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 14, 2025.
- Chase Stadium capacity: 21,000; home of Inter Miami CF.
- Next World Cup qualifier: Argentina vs. Brazil, Nov. 19, 2025 at Maracanã.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Messi’s potential participation affect Argentina’s preparation for the Brazil qualifier?
Playing against Puerto Rico would give Messi valuable minutes to regain match rhythm, helping him sync with the midfield trio of Di María, Álvarez and Federico Valverde ahead of the high‑stakes Brazil clash. However, a heavy workload could increase injury risk, forcing the coach to balance short‑term benefits against the long‑term need for a fully fit Messi in November.
Why was the friendly moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
The event promoter shifted the venue on Oct. 9 to give Argentina a training base at Chase Stadium, reducing travel fatigue and allowing Messi to stay on familiar turf. The switch also aligned with Inter Miami’s marketing push, turning the match into a de‑facto home showcase for the club’s marquee player.
What are the stakes for Inter Miami in the MLS Eastern Conference race?
Miami needs a top‑four finish to secure a first‑round bye and host the opening two playoff rounds beginning Oct. 25. Messi’s two‑goal effort against Atlanta lifted the team to 55 points, putting them within one win of the cutoff and intensifying the push for home‑field advantage.
Has Messi played for Argentina since the 2022 World Cup?
His last appearance for La Albiceleste came in March 2024, when he featured in the Copa América final. The October 2025 friendly could mark his first cap in over a year, making the decision a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
What precautions are the Argentine medical staff taking with Messi?
Doctors performed a full hamstring and lumbar assessment, monitoring fatigue markers and muscle soreness. They’ve also limited his training load during the Monday session, opting for light‑touch drills and a short‑duration sprint test to gauge readiness without overexertion.