Lionel Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami after Argentina's run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but the club has not yet confirmed when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will make his competitive comeback. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos said discussions over Messi's return are ongoing as the club manages the captain's workload ahead of a demanding schedule that includes Major League Soccer and Leagues Cup fixtures. Messi has been included in the squad pool for the Inter Miami vs Columbus clash, but his availability will be decided closer to kick-off.
Inter Miami vs Columbus: Messi back in training after World Cup break
Messi resumed training with Inter Miami this week alongside Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul after the pair represented their country in the World Cup final against Spain on July 19 in New Jersey.
The duo returned to training on Friday for the first time since the MLS season resumed and have been included in the squad pool for Saturday night's home match against the Columbus Crew.
However, Hoyos said no final decision has been taken on whether either player will feature.
"We've been talking, in that regard. He only just got back. We haven't really had the chance to have a proper conversation yet," Hoyos told reporters.
"We're genuinely happy that they've returned and are back at the club. It's great to see them here."
Messi return date yet to be confirmed
Messi has not played in Inter Miami's MLS victories over the Chicago Fire and CF Montréal since returning from international duty.
The 39-year-old also missed the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. However, unlike last season, he will not face disciplinary action after Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed before the 2026 season that each World Cup participant would follow an individual recovery plan determined by their club.
According to MLS, clubs and players would jointly decide the appropriate timeline for rest, training and competitive return after the FIFA World Cup. Under this arrangement, Messi and Rodrigo De Paul were excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
The revised policy comes a year after Messi received a one-match suspension for missing the All-Star fixture, a decision that Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas had criticised at the time.
Inter Miami face busy run of fixtures
Inter Miami host the Columbus Crew before opening their Leagues Cup campaign against Atlético San Luis on August 5, leaving the coaching staff with key decisions on when to bring Messi back into competitive action.
Hoyos said the club faces an intense schedule with little recovery time between matches.
"It's basically just: match, game, rest, game, and so on. It's difficult; the match load is heavy and takes a real toll, competition itself is draining," he said.
World Cup campaign followed by recovery period
Messi scored eight goals and registered four assists as Argentina reached a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final. He played the full 120 minutes in the final against Spain, while De Paul featured for 70 minutes.
Following the tournament, both players were granted time off. Their recovery period also aligns with the agreement reached between FIFA and FIFPRO that provides for a mandatory 21-day rest period at the end of each season.
With Messi back in training and available for selection, Inter Miami could hand their captain a return as early as the Inter Miami vs Columbus match, subject to a final decision by the coaching staff.
