Inter Miami to suffer Messi absence: when will the Argentine return?

Lionel Messi will not return to action immediately for Inter Miami after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Argentine star set for a period of rest before rejoining Javier Mascherano’s squad.

As first reported by ESPN and confirmed by AS USA, both Messi and new Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will take time off following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, where they suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.

Why is Messi missing Inter Miami games?

Messi played every minute of the World Cup final, completing the full 120 minutes, and started all eight of Argentina’s games during the tournament.

After such a demanding schedule, his absence follows recommendations agreed between FIFA and FIFPRO, the global players’ union. The organizations have backed a minimum 21-day offseason break for players after the end of their campaign, alongside at least 72 hours between competitive games, as part of measures designed to protect players’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Which Inter Miami games will Messi miss?

The planned break means Messi and De Paul are expected to miss Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS games against Chicago Fire on July 22 and CF Montréal on July 25.

The current expectation is that both players will return for Inter Miami’s home game against the Columbus Crew on August 1, although head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to provide a more detailed update during his media availability on Tuesday.

Inter Miami have also confirmed that neither Messi nor De Paul will take part in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29, as it falls during their recovery period.

Messi finished the World Cup with eight goals and four assists, ending the tournament second in the Golden Boot race. After Argentina’s defeat in the final, he admitted the disappointment would linger.

“The pain is enormous, and it’s going to take a long time for this wound to heal.”

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