Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos confirmed on 20/7 that Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul would be granted indefinite leave after the 2026 World Cup. "The World Cup just ended. What they need most right now is rest and time with their families", Hoyos stated before the team's training session. "They will rest until they feel ready to return". Messi and De Paul were the only two MLS players to feature in the World Cup final on 19/7, where Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain after 120 minutes. The Argentina national team captain played the entire final and participated in all eight of the team's matches in the tournament, starting seven.
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Lionel Messi shows disappointment after Argentina's 0-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States on 19/7. Photo: AP |
Inter Miami will face Chicago Fire, a club that recently recruited forward Robert Lewandowski, on 23/7. This will be their first match after the MLS break for the World Cup, which ran from 25/5 to 16/7. ESPN reported that Messi and De Paul are confirmed to miss this match, as well as the home game against CF Montreal on 26/7. Furthermore, the Nu Stadium club informed MLS that Messi and De Paul would not participate in the MLS All-Star game against the Liga MX All-Stars on 29/7 in Charlotte, despite both being named to the squad.
The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) recommends that players receive a minimum of 21 days of rest after each season to ensure their well-being. Following discussions with FIFPRO in 2025, FIFA also agreed to the principle that players need at least 72 hours of rest between two matches and a minimum 21-day break at the end of the season, depending on the schedule and agreements between the club and the player. It is currently unclear whether Messi and De Paul will take the full 21 days of rest. Both parties will finalize their return schedule with Inter Miami, though it is likely they will reappear in late July or early August.
According to Argentine media, Messi did not join his teammates on the flight from New York to Buenos Aires. Instead, he took a private jet to an airport near his hometown of Rosario on 20/7, following a journey from Fort Lauderdale, United States. Despite numerous fans arriving with flags and banners to greet him from early morning, the 39-year-old forward did not appear publicly, instead getting into a car with his family to return to the Funes residential area, on the outskirts of Rosario. Messi traveled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, who had supported him throughout his World Cup journey. His 68-year-old father, Jorge Messi, who is receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, was also awaiting him in Rosario.
Messi concluded the 2026 World Cup with eight goals and four assists, ranking second in the Golden Boot race behind Kylian Mbappe (10 goals). He also became the first player in history to start three World Cup finals, following matches against Germany in 2014, France in 2022, and Spain in 2026. Messi also increased his total goals for the Argentina national team to 125. On Instagram on 20/7, Messi admitted he would need time to recover from the 2026 World Cup final defeat. "The pain is immense, and it will take a long time to heal this wound", he wrote. The Argentina captain also thanked fans for their support throughout the tournament and congratulated Spain on their championship.
By Hong Duy (via ESPN, Mundo Deportivo)
