Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami 10 days after World Cup final loss

Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) walks off the field after Argentina is defeated by Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ. Soccer superstar Lionel Messi returned to practice for Inter Miami on Wednesday, 10 days after Argentina's World Cup run ended with a 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final earlier this month. The two-time defending MLS MVP missed Miami's first two matches after the World Cup break against Chicago and Montreal, both of which the team still won, extending its winning streak to six matches. Messi also chose not to participate in Wednesday night's MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game in Charlotte, instead taking some time off to visit his father, Jorge, who the Messi family announced during the World Cup is battling an undisclosed illness. Messi concluded this year's World Cup, his record sixth, with eight goals and four assists, coming one win away from leading Argentina to be the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. He was the first player to break Miroslav Klose's record for career World Cup goals with his 17th in Argentina's second match, but French sensation Kylian Mbappe finished the World Cup one goal ahead of Messi, 22 to 21. Inter Miami (11-2-4, 37 points) is two points behind Nashville SC atop the Eastern Conference standings. It isn't yet known if his return will come in Saturday's home match against the Columbus Crew. --Field Level Media