Messi set for Argentina return in Puerto Rico friendly

Lionel Messi looks poised to return to the Argentina national team for their upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico, having missed their most recent match. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi has rejoined the squad and that his participation will depend on his fitness ahead of the match.

Messi sat out Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela as he instead featured for his club side, Inter Miami, over the weekend. In that MLS match, he scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, showing that he remains sharp at club level. Scaloni said, “I saw Messi play on Saturday. From what I know, he finished well,” adding that he would speak with Messi after the final training session before deciding on whether to field him.

The friendly against Puerto Rico was initially scheduled to take place in Chicago, but it has been moved to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — which is also the home ground of Inter Miami. The change in venue was attributed to security and logistical concerns. Other reports suggest protests in Chicago related to immigration enforcement may have influenced the decision to relocate the match.

Argentina have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, cohosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This friendly is part of their final preparations and provides an opportunity to experiment with lineups and assess fitness across the squad. With Messi back in the fold, it raises expectations among fans and media alike about his role and how much he might play.

Even at 38, Messi remains a pivotal figure for Argentina. His return for friendlies offers a chance to blend experience with emerging talents, refine attacking combinations, and maintain rhythm heading into more competitive stages. His involvement might be limited depending on fitness, but his presence alone is a significant boost for the team and its morale.

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