When will Messi return to play in the MLS? What we know about the Argentinian’s plans for Inter Miami
Here’s everything we know about Messi’s return to MLS.
The World Cup is over. Pack the trophy up in a Louis Vuitton box and leave it in a safe box in Madrid until the final next time round. Back to club football we go. The toil, turmoil, daily stress, and constant anxiety are all feelings us football fans live with, find comfort in, and snuggle up to: Messi gets rid of some of that, but where is he?
The absence of Lionel Messi from Inter Miami’s constant media presence has not gone unnoticed, with some fans expecting the instant return of their star after his ill-fated run to the World Cup final. However, a rest is due for the player, as explained by Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos.
“The World Cup only ended a few hours ago. What [Messi] needs most right now is to rest and spend time with [his] loved ones at home,” the coach told the gaggle of expectant reporters before training. He added: “[He] will be out for as long as they need to be.”
Most perfect 10.00 ratings since we started collecting data:
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 22, 2026
🇦🇷 130 - Lionel Messi
🇵🇹 38 - Cristiano Ronaldo
🇧🇷 33 - Neymar
🇺🇾 30 - Luis Suárez
🏴 26 - Harry Kane pic.twitter.com/ydOKlLwXBO
At the time of writing, with no confirmation of a date from Hoyos, it is expected that he will not be back until early or mid August at the earliest.
While Inter Miami have decided to give Messi all the time he needs, all players are legally required to take a 21-day rest period after the end of his World Cup journey as per rules from FIFA and FIFPRO. This would put a tentative circle around the date of August 9, but equally he could come back later if given the green light by his club.
What this means is that Messi will certainly miss the upcoming MLS All-Star game which will be played on July 29, right in the middle of the 21-day window.
Inter Miami’s upcoming calendar
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire | Nu Stadium (Miami, FL) |
| Jul. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | CF Montreal vs. Inter Miami | Stade Saputo (Montreal, Canada) |
| Aug. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew | Nu Stadium (Miami, FL) |
| Aug. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Inter Miami vs. San Luis* | Nu Stadium (Miami, FL) |
| Aug. 8 | 8 p.m. | Inter Miami vs. Monterrey* | Nu Stadium (Miami, FL) |
| Aug. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Inter Miami vs. Club Leon* | Nu Stadium (Miami, FL) |
The highest-rated La Liga player of each season since 2009/10 (30+ apps):
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 24, 2026
2025/26 - 🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal (8.23)
2024/25 - 🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal (8.01)
2023/24 - 🏴 Jude Bellingham (7.81)
2022/23 - 🇫🇷 Antoine Griezmann (7.69)
2021/22 - 🇫🇷 Karim Benzema (7.69)
2020/21 - 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi… pic.twitter.com/W0mm77jxOm
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