Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi available for Argentina return

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino confirmed Lionel Messi is available to join the Argentina national team for the October international window for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Messi last made an international appearance during the 2024 Copa América, playing an integral role in Argentina’s trophy-winning campaign before suffering a right ankle injury in the final against Colombia.

The forward was then sidelined for over two months, missing the September international window.

“In addition to the games with us he has the games with the Argentinian national team,” Martino said on Friday,

The official Argentina national team squad for October has not been released. Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Sept. 14 in the 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union, and has slowly gained rhythm.

Earlier this month, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he was hopeful Messi would be available for October.

Though he is still adapting to being back on the field, Martino insists Messi will be at his best for the MLS playoffs.

“Leo is going to get better and better as he adds 90 minutes,” Martino said.

“Obviously, Leo does not need to do differentiated physical work in training, but he needs a rhythm of competition, which gives me the idea that he is going to reach the playoffs very well because in addition to the games with us he has the games with the Argentinian national team. So we have high hopes that he will come into the play-offs in very good shape.”

Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 64 points from 30 games. The team can clinch the shield with victories against Charlotte FC on Saturday and Columbus Crew on Oct. 2, or by securing eight points from the last four games.

The Herons also remain on course to break the MLS record for most points recorded in a single season with a ceiling of 76 points, should they win the last four games. New England Revolution hold the record after managing 73 points in 2021.

“Obviously this week we are in a decisive position to try to be first overall,” Martino said. “We will see how the games progress and what the needs are that we are having. It works well to prioritize the search for the objective first, especially because after these three games come the FIFA date, some players will obviously continue competing, but the rest of us have a week to recover, so we are going to prioritize the three games.”

Beyond the race for the shield, Inter Miami’s position on the table secured them a slot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions League.