Lionel Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami, just 10 days after Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Major League Soccer club shared footage on social media of the 39-year-old Argentine captain taking part in training alongside teammate Luis Suarez, marking his first appearance since the 1-0 loss at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on 19 July.
Following the World Cup final, Messi spent time with his family in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, as he recovered from the emotional disappointment.
"The pain is immense and it's going to take a long time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote on social media the day after the final.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had been aiming to guide Argentina to an unprecedented second consecutive World Cup title, but has yet to reveal whether he intends to continue his international career.
During Messi's absence, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos stressed there was no rush for either Messi or fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul to return.
"They need the time," Hoyos said.
"A World Cup is a massive undertaking. There is physical and mental exhaustion. They deserve the space."
Both players were also granted permission by Major League Soccer to miss Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte due to the short turnaround after the World Cup.
The annual showcase, featuring MLS stars against a select team from Mexico's Liga MX, usually requires player participation unless exemptions are approved. Messi famously missed last year's event without an exemption and received a one-match suspension, but MLS cleared both him and De Paul to sit out this year's fixture.
Inter Miami have not confirmed when Messi will make his competitive return.
The Herons face Columbus Crew in MLS action on Saturday before opening their Leagues Cup campaign against San Luis next Wednesday.
Whether Messi features in either fixture remains to be seen, but his return to training is a significant boost for Inter Miami as they prepare for a busy run of matches.
