On January 7, Lionel Messi was at Rosario airport (Argentina) to board a trip to Miami (USA). The reigning World Ballon d’Or winner ended his longest mid-season break since he began playing professionally. Messi started his career in 2003 with Barca. Until the 2023/24 season, Leo continuously competes at the national and club levels, averaging 55 matches/year (Opta). It wasn’t until he moved to Inter Miami that he had a long break mid-season.

Because Inter Miami is not in the play-off group competing for the MLS championship, the 36-year-old striker has not played at the club level since the end of October last year. Leo’s last official match was in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on November 22 last year, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 at Maracana Stadium.

For nearly 2 months, Messi has mainly appeared in Argentina. He celebrated Christmas and New Year with his family in his hometown of Rosario. Leo also wore shoes on the field several times in friendly matches. Leaving Argentina, Messi has not really started the new season in the US. He will have a few more days to rest before practicing with his teammates. It wasn’t until January 22 that Inter Miami played the first friendly match of the new season with Dallas FC.

Then in early February, Inter Miami is scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia to participate in the national cup friendly tournament, with an expected confrontation with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

The 2024 MLS season only starts at the end of February. Inter Miami’s ambition in the 2024 season is to win the championship, after the club successfully recruited Luis Suarez.