Messi Returns to Inter Miami Training Ahead of Columbus Crew Clash After World Cup Final

Lionel Messi has rejoined Inter Miami's training camp after Argentina's World Cup final exit, putting the Argentine star in position to feature in Sunday's Major League Soccer encounter against Columbus Crew. The match carries additional significance as Messi prepares for an immediate return to competitive action following his tournament run that concluded ten days ago.

Messi's Swift Return to Action

Messi's reintegration into Inter Miami's squad underscores the compressed schedule facing MLS teams following the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine forward exited the tournament on July 19th after Argentina fell to Spain in the final by a single goal in extra time. Despite this, he reported for training on Wednesday, just three days after the tournament concluded.

This rapid turnaround contrasts sharply with the extended break taken by Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed the World Cup on July 6th following Portugal's round-of-16 elimination. Ronaldo has yet to report to Al-Nassr's training facilities more than three weeks after his tournament exit, choosing instead to continue his summer holiday.

The difference in return timelines reflects the operational demands placed on each club. Inter Miami faced two matches during Messi's absence, edging Chicago 3-2 and defeating Montreal 1-0. With the Argentine star back in the fold, the Herons now shift focus toward maintaining their competitive momentum in the coming weeks.

Sunday's Matchup Against Columbus

Inter Miami will host Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium in Miami on Sunday at 7:30 PM ET, with the contest available exclusively on Apple TV. The encounter represents one of MLS's more compelling rivalries, known for delivering high-scoring affairs that test both defenses thoroughly.

Columbus arrives at the fixture with renewed confidence following a recent victory, though analysts suggest Inter Miami's performance this season—even during Messi's World Cup absence—positions the home side as the favored outcome. Predictions from major outlets estimate an Inter Miami victory with a 3-1 scoreline, though the addition of Messi to the squad raises the technical ceiling considerably for the home team.

Beyond Columbus, Inter Miami's schedule intensifies significantly. The club faces St. Louis in the Leagues Cup fixture in the days following Sunday's match, with MLS fixtures extending through December. This fixture marks the beginning of a congested fixture list that will test squad depth and player conditioning throughout the remainder of the calendar year.