Lionel Messi Not Returning to Argentina After FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Lionel Messi may not return to Argentina immediately following the heartbreaking FIFA World Cup 2026 Final defeat to Spain. Instead, the Inter Miami captain is likely to stay back in the United States to rejoin his club ahead of a busy Major League Soccer schedule. Argentina’s FIFA World Cup title defence ended in disappointment after Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner handed Spain a 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (July 19), but Messi has little time to dwell on the defeat with club commitments awaiting.
Inter Miami are back in action just days after the World Cup final, with Guillermo Hoyos’s side scheduled to host the Chicago Fire in an MLS fixture on Wednesday (July 22). With the race for the MLS playoffs intensifying, Messi is expected to report back immediately instead of travelling to Argentina for an extended break.
Why Is Lionel Messi Not Returning to Argentina?
The primary reason behind Messi’s immediate departure to the United States is Inter Miami’s packed fixture list. The MLS season continues throughout the summer, and the club cannot afford to be without its captain for long. Messi is expected to undergo recovery and rejoin training before Wednesday’s league clash against Chicago Fire. However, he is unlikely to feature in the contest due to fatigue.
Unlike previous international tournaments where players had longer recovery periods, the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes during the MLS campaign. As a result, several MLS-based players, including Messi, are returning directly to their respective clubs instead of heading home after international duty.
When Will Lionel Messi Play Next?
Messi’s next expected appearance could for Inter Miami against Chicago Fire on Wednesday, July 22. Subject to his fitness after an exhausting World Cup campaign, the Argentine legend could return immediately as Miami continue their push in the Eastern Conference standings.
The 39-year-old played a crucial role in guiding Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, but the defending champions fell short against Spain after Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in extra time. Despite the painful defeat, Messi is now expected to shift his complete focus towards helping Inter Miami during the remainder of the MLS season, with speculation over his international future likely to continue in the coming weeks.
