Lionel Messi has officially ended his holiday break and rejoined Inter Miami for the start of pre-season training, as the Major League Soccer champions prepare for a pivotal year.
The Argentina captain reported for duty under the guidance of coach Javier mascherano, alongside key teammates including fellow South American stars Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. SuperDeportes reports that Messi’s return signals the beginning of preparations for both the upcoming MLS season and the important challenge of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United states, Mexico, and Canada.
This year marks a particularly critically important one for the 38-year-old Messi, requiring focused readiness on both a personal and professional level. Inter Miami will have a different look this season,following the departures of influential players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Too address these changes and bolster the squad, Inter Miami has made several key defensive additions. These include Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. clair, Argentine full-back Facundo Mura, Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilón, Brazilian defender Micael, and Argentine midfielder David Ayala.these signings aim to strengthen the team’s defensive capabilities as they navigate a demanding schedule.
Inter Miami’s pre-season schedule includes a series of international friendlies. They will face Alliance Lima in Peru on January 24th, followed by a match against Nacional Atlético in Colombia on January 31st, and a february contest against Barcelona of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
The MLS season will kick off on February 21st wiht a highly anticipated match against Los Angeles FC.