When Lionel Andrés Messi, captain of the Argentina national football team stepped back onto the international stage on October 13, 2025, fans finally got a glimpse of the man who missed the 1‑0 win over Venezuela three days earlier.
The reunion took place at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a venue that has become a second home for Inter Miami CF during its inaugural MLS years.
Argentina’s manager Lionel Sebastián Scaloni, 47, confirmed on the same day that he would decide Messi’s fate for the upcoming friendly after a final training session, noting the star’s “condition looked good after a busy weekend.”
Why Messi Skipped Venezuela
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) granted Messi a special exemption to miss the October 10 friendly against the Venezuela national football team. The reason? A crucial MLS regular‑season match against Atlanta United FC on October 11 at the same Chase Stadium.
Inter Miami, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 48 points from 33 games, needed a win to keep hopes alive for a higher seed and home‑field advantage in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. With the club’s relocation to Miami Freedom Park slated for 2026, management wanted Messi on the field for what could be their final game at Chase.
MLS Showdown: Messi’s Impact for Inter Miami
Messi answered the call in style. According to the club’s post‑match report, he notched two goals and an assist in a 4‑0 rout, though some outlets, such as GEO.tv, only recorded his opening strike. Regardless, the Argentine star’s presence electrified the 15,000‑strong crowd and helped Inter Miami climb to a respectable 48‑point total.
“When he steps onto the pitch you can feel the energy shift,” said Javier Mascherano, 41, head coach of Inter Miami. “We needed him, and he delivered exactly when it mattered.”
Scaloni’s Verdict and AFA’s Statement
Back in the national‑team camp, Scaloni was cautiously optimistic. “I saw Messi play on Saturday. From what I know, he finished well. I haven’t spoken to him yet. Now we have the last training session for tomorrow’s match, and as we always do before a final training, I’ll talk to him and if he’s in condition, he’ll play tomorrow,” he told reporters on October 13.
The AFA followed up with an official release on October 12, stating, “Leo’s return generates great anticipation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.” The statement underscored how Messi’s participation could boost ticket sales, TV ratings, and, more importantly, the tactical fluidity of Argentina’s side heading into World Cup qualifiers.
What the Puerto Rico Friendly Means for Argentina
The opponent for the next match is the Puerto Rico national football team, ranked 173rd in the FIFA World Rankings as of October 2025. Though a clear underdog, the Caribbean side offers a low‑risk environment for Argentina to fine‑tune set pieces and experiment with a 4‑3‑3 formation that places Messi at the focal point.
During the friendly, scheduled for October 14, 2025, the event will be logged as an Argentina vs. Puerto Rico friendlyChase Stadium. The match originally slated for Soldier Field in Chicago was moved to Fort Lauderdale after the promoter’s logistical reshuffle, keeping Messi on familiar turf.
For the South American giants, the game serves as the final dress rehearsal before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Argentina hopes to secure a strong start and keep the #1 spot in the FIFA rankings.
Looking Ahead to 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina’s qualification campaign kicks off in March 2026, with matches across South America and North America. Messi, now 38, remains the tactical fulcrum; his experience from the 2006 debut in Germany to the 2022 triumph in Qatar adds a layer of composure that younger teammates lack.
Scaloni hinted that Messi could lead the side in North America during the 2026 World Cup—a scenario that would see the captain playing in front of an American audience for the first time at a senior World Cup.
Analysts at Sports Illustrated note, “Messi remains the pivot in Argentina’s XI that all things good revolve around when he takes to the field,” a sentiment echoed by former teammate Ángel Di María, who added, “His vision still opens up spaces we didn’t think existed.”
Messi’s Legacy and the Road to Miami Freedom Park
Beyond the national team, Messi’s MLS stint marks a new chapter in his storied career. Inter Miami will bid farewell to Chase Stadium after the 2025 season, moving to the state‑of‑the‑art Miami Freedom Park in 2026. Fans who witnessed Messi’s two‑goal night will likely remember it as the last hurrah at a modest venue before the club’s grand move.
In the broader picture, Messi’s dual commitments highlight a growing trend: world‑class players balancing club obligations with national‑team duties, even when schedules clash. The AFA’s flexibility this October could set a precedent for future negotiations between federations and clubs.
- Messi returned to the Argentina squad on October 13, 2025.
- Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 4‑0, with Messi contributing two goals and an assist.
- The Puerto Rico friendly will be played on October 14, 2025, at Chase Stadium.
- Argentina sits atop the FIFA rankings; Puerto Rico is 173rd.
- Upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin in March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s return affect Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers?
Messi’s presence gives Scaloni a tested focal point for the attacking midfield, allowing the team to rehearse set‑piece routines and a high‑press system that relies on his vision. His fitness after the MLS match also reassures the coaching staff that the captain can handle the physical load of a long qualifying campaign.
Why was the friendly against Puerto Rico moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
The promoter cited venue availability and logistical costs as the primary reasons. Keeping the match at Chase Stadium also meant Messi wouldn’t need another long travel leg, simplifying squad logistics just days after his MLS appearance.
What did Inter Miami’s coach say about Messi’s performance against Atlanta United?
Javier Mascherano praised the star, saying, “When he steps onto the pitch you can feel the energy shift. We needed him, and he delivered exactly when it mattered.” The coach added that Messi’s two goals and assist were crucial for maintaining playoff positioning.
How does the AFA justify granting Messi permission to miss a national‑team match?
The AFA argued that Messi’s participation in a high‑profile MLS game benefits Argentine football’s global brand and that his fitness could be better managed with a controlled club environment. They also noted the unique circumstance of Inter Miami’s final game at Chase Stadium.
What are the expectations for the match against Puerto Rico?
Most analysts expect a comfortable win for Argentina, using the game to test new midfield combinations and set‑piece variations. The low ranking of Puerto Rico means defensive solidity and ball retention will be the primary focus for Scaloni’s side.
