Concórdia U20 · Copa Verde · Defender · #6 · Brazil · 20 yrs
Lionel Messi is in Argentina following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about when he'll return to Inter Miami. Lionel Messi made his first public appearance since the 2026 World Cup final on Saturday, resurfacing in Rosario, Argentina, during his rest period away from Inter Miami. After keeping a low profile since arriving in the city, the Argentine captain was spotted at a match far removed from the grand stages he’s used to: a fourth division fixture in the lower tiers of Argentine football. His return to Inter Miami training remains entirely unconfirmed. Messi has prioritized privacy since touching down, even as crowds gathered near his home in Rosario hoping to catch a glimpse of him, and he’d had no public engagements until this outing. Manager Guillermo Hoyos has been clear that the club isn’t setting a deadline for Messi’s comeback, framing the time away as necessary after the physical and emotional toll of a World Cup run that ended in heartbreak. That stance leaves the timeline genuinely open, without a fixed date attached to his reintegration. Current expectations point to a return sometime between late July and early August, where a Leagues Cup debut is the more probable scenario. Miami begin their group stage there on August 5 against Atletico de San Luis, followed by a clash with Monterrey on August 8, before wrapping up against Leon on August 12. Lionel Messi watching Leones vs. Central Córdoba in Argentina’s Primera C. 🇦🇷🎥 @SC_ESPN pic.twitter.com/7IhZwIEPue— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 25, 2026 Which game was Messi watching in Rosario? Messi’s outing came at a game between Central Cordoba de Rosario and Leones FC, the club backed by his own family and presided over by his brother, Matias. The team holds special meaning for the Messis: founded on January 2, 2015, and developed for years with support from the Messi Foundation, the club achieved a historic milestone this year by earning a place to compete in the Primera C (fourth division). What Hoyos said about Messi’s return Hoyos has made clear that Inter Miami won’t rush either Messi or Rodrigo De Paul back into the fold, declining to commit to any specific date for their reincorporation. Asked directly about a timeline during a press conference, the coach said the two players “will be out the time they need to be out,” adding that “what they need most is to rest and be with their loved ones in their place“.
Despite being announced on Wednesday, Casemiro won't be able to take part in Inter Miami's clash against the Chicago Fire. Casemiro has officially completed his move to Inter Miami following the 2026 World Cup, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season. However, despite being officially unveiled by the Herons, the Brazilian midfielder will not be eligible to make his MLS debut Wednesday night against the Chicago Fire. Casemiro is sidelined for the midweek clash as he awaits the final processing of his P-1 athletic visa. While the veteran midfielder has been granted permission to attend the match at Nu Stadium and watch from the team box, league regulations prohibit him from dressing or taking the pitch until his work permit is fully cleared. Inter Miami has not provided an exact timeline for when Casemiro’s documentation will be finalized. The Herons are scheduled to hit the road to face CF Montreal this coming Saturday, July 25, with head coach Guillermo Hoyos hopeful that the administrative hurdles will be resolved in time for the Brazilian to make his debut. Speaking to Inter Miami’s official website, Casemiro opened up about his decision to cross the Atlantic and join the South Florida franchise: “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow. The project the Club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me.” A new No. 5 is in the 305. @Casemiro is Home. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VNL4FeHgub— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2026 Inter Miami facing MLS tampering investigation over Casemiro deal The excitement surrounding Casemiro’s arrival was quickly met with league scrutiny, as Major League Soccer released a concurrent statement confirming an investigation into the Florida club. Because the LA Galaxy originally held Casemiro’s “Discovery Rights,” MLS rules strictly prohibit rival clubs from contacting or negotiating with players on another team’s discovery list without prior clearance. The official statement from Major League Soccer read: “Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.“ Additionally, Inter Miami has kept financial details close to the chest, though Casemiro is not expected to occupy a Designated Player slot, as all three roster spots are currently filled by Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Germán Berterame. What has been confirmed is the structure of his contract, which runs through May 2027 at the conclusion of the MLS Spring Season, with a club option to extend through June 2029. The LA Galaxy also acknowledged the situation in a brief statement, deferring further comment until the league completes its inquiry: “The LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF have reached a settlement for the Discovery priority to sign Casemiro, and the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation currently open with Major League Soccer.“
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