When Lionel Messi, the 38‑year‑old captain of the Argentina national team, stepped back onto the squad’s training mat on October 14, 2025, it signaled that the maestro is poised to feature in the next friendly and, ultimately, the 2026 World Cup.
The session took place at the Argentine Football Association’s ( AFA) training hub in Miami, just a stone’s throw from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni explained that Messi’s absence from the October 10 victory over Venezuela was a precaution, and that the new drills would let the forward lock into the team’s tactical rhythm ahead of the Puerto Rico showdown.
Background: Argentina’s friendlies and World Cup preparation
Argentina entered 2025 as the defending World Cup champion, fresh off a 2024 Copa América win. The two friendlies – Venezuela on October 10 and Puerto Rico on October 14‑15 – serve as final tune‑ups before the squad is locked for the 2026 tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Both matches are staged at Chase Stadium, a 21,000‑seat venue that also hosts Inter Miami CF, Messi’s MLS club.
Training camp in Miami: What changed?
According to an AFA press release posted on X on October 14, the training drill focused on high‑press coordination and set‑piece rehearsals – areas where Messi’s vision is historically decisive.
“We needed the time to integrate Lionel’s movement with the younger midfielders,” Scaloni told reporters after the session. “His work rate is still world‑class, but the chemistry has to be rebuilt after a few weeks away with his club.”
Inter Miami’s medical staff also gave Messi a green light, confirming that he completed a full recovery from a minor hamstring strain that had lingered during the MLS season.
The Venezuela match and Messi’s absence
Argentina thumped Venezuela 1‑0 on October 10, with Julián Álvarez scoring the lone goal. The match, held at Chase Stadium, marked Messi’s first missed appearance since the 2022 World Cup final.
Scaloni said the “current circumstances” – a combination of travel fatigue and a precautionary health check – prompted the decision. “It’s never easy to sit a legend out, but the team’s balance comes first,” he added.
Puerto Rico friendly: Stakes and expectations
The follow‑up fixture against Puerto Rico was originally slated for Chicago on October 13, but a scheduling hiccup shifted it back to Miami on the night of October 14‑15. Fox Sports confirmed the venue as Chase Stadium.
Analysts expect Argentina to run a 4‑3‑3 formation, with Messi leading the front line alongside Álvarez and Paulo Dybala. The game will be a chance to test a high‑press system that Scaloni hopes will carry into the World Cup.
- Kick‑off: 8:00 p.m. EDT (UTC‑4)
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Projected line‑up: Scaloni (GK), Montiel, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Paredes, Lo Celso, Álvarez, Dybala, Messi
- Broadcast: ESPN+ in the U.S., TyC Sports in Argentina
Reactions from coaches, fans, and analysts
Venezuelan coach Fernando Batista praised Argentina’s depth, noting that “even without Messi, they were clinical.” He added that the upcoming match will be a “good gauge for Argentina’s attacking rhythm.”
Puerto Rico’s head coach Charlie Trout expressed optimism, saying his side will look to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.
Local fans turned out in droves, waving blue and white flags despite the chilly November breeze. Social media lit up with #MessiReturns trending across Argentina and the United States.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup
With the friendlies concluded, the AFA will submit its final 26‑player roster by early March 2026. Messi, now back in sync with his national teammates, is expected to start every group‑stage match, barring injury.
Scaloni hinted that the high‑press approach practiced in Miami could be a key differentiator against North American teams in the upcoming tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lionel Messi miss the Venezuela friendly?
Scaloni cited “current circumstances,” a mix of travel fatigue and a precautionary health check, as the reason Messi sat out the October 10 match.
When and where is the Puerto Rico friendly being played?
The game is set for the night of October 14‑15, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
How does Messi’s return impact Argentina’s World Cup plans?
His training helps fine‑tune the high‑press system that Scaloni wants to use in the 2026 tournament, and it reassures the coaching staff that the captain is match‑fit for the group stage.
Who are the coaches of the opposing teams?
Venezuela is led by Fernando Batista, while Puerto Rico’s side is managed by Charlie Trout.
What are the key tactical changes Argentina is testing?
The focus is on a coordinated high press, quick transitions, and set‑piece routines that leverage Messi’s vision and passing range.
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