Lionel Messi could be ready for a quick return to Argentina.
Messi played his final international game for his country last month, scoring his 126th goal in his 208th appearance as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 on an emotional night in Buenos Aires.
But he now looks likely to return in January as part of Inter Miami’s pre-season programme. Miami are heavily tipped to face River Plate at the Estadio Monumental in January.
Herons coach Kily Gonzalez, himself an Argentine, confirmed the news after Miami’s regular season-ending 3-3 tie with FC Charlotte. He said: “For me, this situation is almost confirmed. It is a very strong possibility. Obviously, it is always good to compete against Argentinian teams, as in this case River. Although there is still a long way to go to get to that moment.”
Messi has yet to play a club match in Argentina
Messi has never played a club game in his homeland after leaving Argentina as a child to live in Barcelona.
Assuming the match against River is confirmed, it will likely take place in the second half of January with Miami preparing for the truncated 2027 MLS season that runs from February to May.
Messi finished the 2026 season as the winner of the MLS Golden Boot for the second consecutive year. The 39-year-old scored 26 goals and added 17 assists to finish well ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa (22) and Nashville’s Sam Surridge (21).
The Florida club now enters the play-offs where they will play Columbus Crew in the first round. The reigning champions are wary of a Columbus team that won eight of its last nine games to secure its spot in the postseason.