When Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team and forward for Inter Miami CF, stepped onto the training pitch on Sunday, October 13, 2025, the buzz was immediate. The 37‑year‑old Argentine star had just helped Inter Miami clinch a dramatic 2‑1 win over Atalanta BC the night before, and now he was back with the squad that will face the Puerto Rico national football team in a friendly at Chase Stadium on Monday, October 14. The key question? Whether Messi will start, sit on the bench, or simply watch – a decision that could shape Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Why the timing matters
Messi’s rapid return to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) camp caught many analysts off guard. The AFA, headquartered in Buenos Aires, had released him from club duties just in time for the MLS showdown, a move that underscores how precious every minute of Messi’s rhythm is considered. "We want him to stay healthy and keep building chemistry with the group," a member of the technical staff told beIN SPORTS on October 13, emphasizing the delicate balance between club commitments and national pride.
Match‑by‑match breakdown: Inter Miami vs Atalanta
Saturday’s clash at Chase Stadium was more than a regular MLS fixture. Messi threaded a 48th‑minute pass that set up the winning goal, and his movement in the final third seemed to lift the entire squad. The Italian side, technically an exhibition opponent, gave Miami a chance to test squad depth – a test that now spills over into the national team camp.
- Final score: Inter Miami 2‑1 Atalanta
- Messi’s minutes: 73
- Key statistic: Miami’s possession rose from 48% to 61% after Messi’s involvement
- Injury update: No new complaints reported by the club medical staff
Coaching perspective: Scaloni’s workload plan
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has been meticulous about Messi’s minutes since the 2023‑24 season, when the Argentine star missed 12 MLS games due to muscle fatigue. "We’ll see how he feels," Scaloni said in a press conference, adding that the friendly against Puerto Rico is "a low‑risk environment to gauge his match fitness." The coach’s strategy mirrors his approach in September, when Messi only played the first half against Bolivia.
Scaloni’s staff also noted that the four‑day turnaround – from Saturday’s club match to Monday’s international friendly – is tighter than any recent spell for Messi. "The most important thing is for him to stay healthy and continue building rhythm with the group," the assistant coach repeated, highlighting the medical team’s role in the final decision.
Implications for World Cup qualifying campaign
Argentina’s next competitive challenges arrive in November 2025, when they square off against Peru and Colombia in the South American qualifying round. A fully fit Messi could be the X‑factor that tips tight games in Argentina’s favor, especially given his 181‑cap record – a milestone that would further cement his status as the nation’s most‑capped player.
Conversely, a cautious approach now could preserve Messi for the qualifiers, reducing the risk of a fatigue‑related setback. The AFA’s medical protocol, sharpened after Messi’s 2024‑25 injury spell, hinges on data from the Sunday training session and the pre‑match warm‑up on Monday. If the scans show any lingering soreness, Scaloni has made it clear he will not risk the veteran in a low‑stakes game.
What’s next: roster decisions and schedule
The final lineup for the Puerto Rico friendly is expected to be announced around 6:00 PM Eastern on match day. Should Messi be named in the squad, he could either start or be subbed on after the first 45 minutes – a pattern Scaloni has used to protect senior players in recent friendlies.
Beyond the immediate fixture, the AFA has already outlined a two‑week training block in Buenos Aires before the November qualifiers, giving coaches a window to fine‑tune tactics and evaluate any lingering fatigue. For Inter Miami, Messi’s club calendar remains packed, with MLS matches every three to four days through the season’s end in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Lionel Messi play against Puerto Rico?
The decision hinges on his medical assessment after Sunday’s training and the warm‑up on Monday. Scaloni has said the priority is health, so Messi may start, be subbed in, or sit out entirely.
Why is the friendly against Puerto Rico important?
Beyond the low stakes, the match gives Argentina a chance to test line‑ups and build cohesion before the crucial November World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Colombia.
How many caps will Messi have if he plays?
A start would mark his 181st appearance for Argentina, extending his record as the nation’s most‑capped player.
What was Messi’s contribution in the Inter Miami match?
He logged 73 minutes, delivered the decisive pass for the winning goal, and helped lift Miami’s possession to over 60% during his time on the pitch.
How does this affect Argentina’s World Cup qualifying outlook?
If Messi stays healthy, Argentina retains a world‑class attacking option for the November qualifiers, which could be decisive in tightly contested South American groups.